Northeastern Illinois University hosted the 11th Annual Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora Conference. The event was held at the University's main campus in Chicago and online via Zoom. The 11th Annual GHRAD Conference took place from March 5-7, bringing together scholars and experts from around the world. This year’s theme was “Echoes of Silence: Resilience and Reflection.” The researchers focused on the genocide in Gaza and the international community’s response to this situation. The limits of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debates on the unresolved humanitarian crisis in Gaza were discussed.
Our academics, Assist. Prof. Sümeyye Uyar, Res. Assist. Mustafa Yıldırım, and Researcher Ahmet Celal Şener, participated in the conference with their paper titled “UNGA Debates on the Gaza Genocide and the Limits of Humanitarian Intervention”. The paper emphasized that the debates at the UNGA are often shaped by geopolitical discourses, which hinder the urgent intervention measures necessary to protect the civilian population in Gaza. By comparing the situation in Gaza with the war in Ukraine, the researchers examined the double standards and the selective nature of international intervention. Additionally, they highlighted how UNGA's responses to crises are shaped by the interests of major powers. The aim of the presentation was to stress the need for the United Nations and other international organizations to develop effective intervention strategies against mass violence. The participants pointed out that such structural issues in international relations are fundamental points that need to be reconsidered to prevent future genocides.
The conference featured numerous sessions offering in-depth discussions on global security, foreign policy, and human rights. We congratulate our academics who contribute internationally to global peace and security and wish them continued success.
For participation and more information, please visit the conference website: NEIU 2025 Conference
