In 2022 the world continued to confront innumerable challenges in the promotion of peace and protection of human rights. From the thousands of people arbitrarily detained for challenging Myanmar’s military, to women and girls whose rights were being stripped in Afghanistan, to those affected by active conflict in Ethiopia, Yemen and elsewhere – countless populations around the world were facing the threat of mass atrocity crimes with only limited reaction from the international community. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February sent shockwaves through the international system spurring a widespread response at the UN and beyond.

Despite these challenges and shortcomings, we at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect have continued to fulfill our mandate to influence the international community to act and better protect vulnerable populations. As the world’s attention mobilized around Ukraine, we sought ways to garner a similar, comprehensive, response for populations seemingly abandoned to their fate.

Throughout the year, the Global Centre shared our analysis on more than 30 countries. We convened experts to discuss cross-cutting agendas, like justice and accountability, gender and atrocity prevention, the role of youth in preventing atrocities, and more. After two unparalleled years of remote operations, we welcomed the opportunity to host the 10th annual meeting of R2P Focal Points in person in Washington, D.C. – as well as workshops on UN human rights mechanisms and atrocity prevention in Geneva.

As 2022 comes to an end, we are incredibly grateful to have been able to forge new connections and reinforce old ones through meetings in New York, Geneva and in capitals around the world.  Thank you for your generosity, support and engagement with the us over the past year. We look forward to continuing to work with you to help confront indifference and build a world more resilient to atrocities wherever and whenever they occur.