The 8 stages of Genocide

Stage 1-Classification :
Characteristics
People are divided into "us and them".

Stage 2-Symbolization :
Characteristics
"When combined with hatred, symbols may be forced upon unwilling members of pariah groups..."

Stage 3-Dehumanization :
Characteristics
"One group denies the humanity of the other group. Members of it are equated with animals, vermin, insects or diseases."

Stage 4-Organization :
Characteristics
"Genocide is always organized... Special army units or militias are often trained and armed..."

Stage 5-Polarization:
Characteristics
"Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda..."


Stage 6-Preparation :
Characteristics
"Victims are identified and separated out because of their ethnic or religious identity..."

Stage 7-Extermination :
Characteristics
"It is "extermination" to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human."

Stage 8-Denial :
Characteristics
"The perpetrators... deny that they committed any crimes..."

WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE FOLLOWED AND IMPLEMENTED THEN ??

-"The main preventive measure at this early stage is to develop universalistic institutions that transcend... divisions."

-"To combat symbolization, hate symbols can be legally forbidden as can hate speech".

-"Local and international leaders should condemn the use of hate speech and make it culturally unacceptable. Leaders who incite genocide should be banned from international travel and have their foreign finances frozen."

-"The U.N. should impose arms embargoes on governments and citizens of countries involved in genocidal massacres, and create commissions to investigate violations"

-"Prevention may mean security protection for moderate leaders or assistance to human rights groups...Coups d’état by extremists should be opposed by international sanctions."

-only rapid and overwhelming armed intervention can stop genocide. Real safe areas or refugee escape corridors should be established with heavily armed international protection."

-"The response to denial is punishment by an international tribunal or national courts"

-"At the end of the day, it all summarizes to an individuals choices...will you pick up an arm to maim your neighbor? will you protect life?will you sit on the fence-undecided?WHAT WILL YOU DO?