London: Task Force’s Report presented in London at the London School of Economics – Prevention of Mass Atrocities: Can the EU do Better?

LSE IDEAS and LSE Department of International Relations Public Lecture

Tuesday 26 March 2013, 6.30pm, Wolfson Theatre, New Academic Building

Speakers: James Kearney and Dr James Smith;
Chair: Professor Karen E Smith

Since 1945, 22 million people – or the population of London three times over – have perished in mass atrocities. The international community has a responsibility to prevent mass atrocities, but has repeatedly failed to identify potential atrocities early enough, or mobilise itself quickly enough to take action to prevent them. A recent report argued that a change of mindset is required, and that the European Union – which is endowed with significant capabilities that could be used to prevent mass atrocities – should commit itself more explicitly to this goal. But is the issue simply one of awareness? The panel debates the challenges of preventing mass atrocities.

This event will mark the UK launch of a report by the Task Force on the EU Prevention of Mass Atrocities. The report titled ‘The EU and the Prevention of Mass Atrocities – An Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses’ will be available from the 6th March.

The Task Force on EU Prevention of Mass Atrocities is co-chaired by Professor Christoph Meyer (King’s College, London) and Professor Karen E. Smith (LSE).