Understanding Atrocity Sites: Definition, Types, and Implications for Peace and Security

This article examines the concept of “atrocity sites” – physical locations of mass atrocities and human rights violations – and analyzes their varieties and their impact on peace and security. Definitions of atrocities and a typology of the places where such acts are committed are introduced, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and other mass violations. The article considers the theoretical frameworks related to these sites, as well as practical aspects of addressing them – from preserving evidence and memory to the role of the international community and UN peacekeeping operations. Examples are presented from conflicts such as Syria, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, alongside historical cases (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, etc.), and different perspectives on the “peace vs. justice” dilemma are discussed. The working hypothesis is that understanding and appropriately managing atrocity sites – through pursuit of accountability and memorialization – contributes to sustainable peace and prevention of future conflicts. A comparative analysis of literature, a review of UN documents, NGO reports, and case examples are used to test this hypothesis.