Guidance-Plan of Action for Religious Readership and Actors to prevent Incitement to violence that could lead to Atrocity Crimes

Incitement to violence that targets communities or individuals based on their identity can contribute to enabling or preparing atrocity crimes, (genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity), and is both a warning sign and early indicator of the risk of those crimes. Monitoring, preventing and countering incitement to violence, particularly in societies divided along identity lines and in situations where tensions are high,  can contribute to prevention efforts. States have the primary responsibility to protect populations  from atrocity crimes, as well as their incitement, but other actors can and should play a role. Religious leaders and actors can play a particularly influential role, as they have the potential to influence the behavior of those who follow them and share their beliefs. Given that religion has been misused to justify incitement to violence, it is vital that religious leaders from all faiths show leadership in this matter.