ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The International Institute of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity was established in accordance with the additional article 30 of the Law No. 2809 on the Organization of Higher Education Institutions, affiliated to Istanbul University, with the Presidential Decision of the Republic of Turkey (Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, Date 15.07.2021 and Number 31542). The International Institute of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity is the only institute in Turkey to study on these issues.

The main objectives of our institute are to conduct research on genocide and crimes against humanity in the past and today, to ensure that the current activities are further activated and developed, to support individuals and organizations working on these issues, and to share the results with the national and international public.

It has been observed that examining the genocides, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international law, against which humanity is subjected to violence, with a limited and subjective point of view, dominated by Western-based institutions and mentality, limits the possibilities for constructive solutions.The common problems of the international community that require urgent solution necessitate benefiting from the historical, geographical, intellectual and cultural accumulations of all nations of the world that will serve the future of humanity, in other words, the voice of each society to be heard one by one in a polyphonic structure.

Since the level of economic development is not sufficient, nations and societies excluded from the structures that dominate the international system have difficulty in making their voices heard. This situation has led to the fact that the solutions, which are mostly theoretical, are questioned more and more in terms of reality and functionality by structures where such societies, which are more exposed to severe human rights violations, are not adequately represented. As a matter of fact, the existing system, structure and production of ideas have been subjected to intense criticism for a long time in the face of the deepening of unresolved international problems. For a just world order that takes care of the common benefit of humanity, first of all, the structures that are the product of the efforts of certain societies or communities to make their system of values ​​and priorities dominate the whole world should be questioned again. Particularly in the field of social sciences, when dealing with common problems and difficult issues that concern all humanity, knowledge should be produced in a polyphonic environment within structures that are inclusive and embracing, not excluding certain societies. Only in this way will it be possible to sprout seeds of peace and friendship for future generations instead of hatred, deadlock, separation and conflict. Our Institute, which aims to serve the construction of a future based on peace and justice for humanity, believes in the necessity of focusing on related problems in order to produce solutions without any racial, religious, ideological, political or economic preference or prejudice and building a common understanding that embraces the whole world, instead of the dominant structures and theoretical frameworks established by the thought production of the current system. It is not possible to find solutions to current problems and build a just international order without recognizing the rights of all victims, groups and nations who have been subjected to oppression and persecution in the past and present, and whose voices have been suppressed without being allowed to speak the truth.

As with all issues concerning the international community as a whole, genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international law need to be addressed in a multidisciplinary manner with a universal and holistic approach. However, what the studies and policies carried out with an understanding reflecting the international dominant system have revealed, rather than universality, is that the problems are characterized in a selective way that harms Third World countries, oppressed peoples and societies and communities that are not allowed to raise their voices.

The common problems of humanity, such as the prevention of genocide and crimes against humanity, require rethinking and questioning existing regimes and systems that are predominantly produced from a Western perspective. Certainly, it is undeniable that scientific studies made with the current point of view, the progress made, and the produced structures and systems contribute to the solution of problems. On the other hand, if these contributions and gains can be combined with the experience and knowledge of societies that have not had the opportunity to make their voices heard enough for economic or political reasons, they will become much more meaningful for humanity and thus, it will be possible to find much more realistic, inclusive and peaceful solutions to existing problems. In order to meet this need, our institute considers conducting scientific studies that will approach the common problems of humanity in a holistic manner with an understanding that embraces the whole world equally as one of its primary goals. Because, a holistic and inclusive perspective is required in order to transform the dominant international regulations and practices that reflect the structural, theoretical and material flaws of institutions and systems of thought that do not embrace the whole world fairly, in a way that will benefit the international community.

Our Institute, which took the first steps with the historical background and strong accumulation of Istanbul University, invites all scientists who hold themselves responsible for the future of the world and want to work for a better future, and everyone who believes that they will contribute to this path, to work together.

OUR VISION

Is to become an institute that aims at the highest values ​​of humanity, universal peace and justice, produces scientific solutions to the deep-rooted common problems of the international community with a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, and contributes to the transformation of the international system by questioning it on behalf of humanity.