1. 1
The Eight Stages ofThe Eight Stages of GenocideGenocide
Dr. Gregory StantonDr. Gregory Stanton
Genocide WatchGenocide Watch © 2007 Gregory Stanton

2. The 8 Stages of GenocideThe 8 Stages of Genocide
 Understanding the genocidal process is one ofUnderstanding the genocidal process is one of
the most important steps in preventing futurethe most important steps in preventing future
genocides.genocides.
 The Eight Stages of Genocide were firstThe Eight Stages of Genocide were first
outlined by Dr. Greg Stanton, Department ofoutlined by Dr. Greg Stanton, Department of
State: 1996.State: 1996.
 The first six stages are Early Warnings:The first six stages are Early Warnings:
 ClassificationClassification
 SymbolizationSymbolization
 DehumanizationDehumanization
 OrganizationOrganization
 PolarizationPolarization
 PreparationPreparation

3. Stage 1: ClassificationStage 1: Classification
 ““Us versus them”Us versus them”
 Distinguish by nationality, ethnicity, race, orDistinguish by nationality, ethnicity, race, or
religion.religion.
 Bipolar societies (Rwanda) most likely to haveBipolar societies (Rwanda) most likely to have
genocide because no way for classifications togenocide because no way for classifications to
fade away through inter-marriage.fade away through inter-marriage.
 Classification is a primary method of dividingClassification is a primary method of dividing
society and creating a power struggle betweensociety and creating a power struggle between
groups.groups.

4. Classification (Rwanda)Classification (Rwanda)
Belgian colonialists believed Tutsis were a naturally superior
nobility, descended from the Israelite tribe of Ham. The
Rwandan royalty was Tutsi.
Belgians distinguished between Hutus and Tutsis by nose size,
height & eye type. Another indicator to distinguish Hutu farmers
from Tutsi pastoralists was the number of cattle owned.

5. Prevention: ClassificationPrevention: Classification
 Promote common identities (national,Promote common identities (national,
religious, human.)religious, human.)
 Use common languages (Swahili inUse common languages (Swahili in
Tanzania, science, music.)Tanzania, science, music.)
 Actively oppose racist and divisiveActively oppose racist and divisive
politicians and parties.politicians and parties.

6. Stage 2: SymbolizationStage 2: Symbolization
 Names: “Jew”, “German”, “Hutu”, “Tutsi”.
 Languages.
 Types of dress.
Group uniforms: Nazi Swastika armbands
Colors and religious symbols:
•Yellow star for Jews
•Blue checked scarf Eastern Zone in Cambodia

7. Stage 2: SymbolizationStage 2: Symbolization
(Rwanda)(Rwanda)(Rwanda)(Rwanda)
“Ethnicity” was first noted on cards by Belgian Colonial
Authorities in 1933.
Tutsis were given access to limited education programs and
Catholic priesthood. Hutus were given less assistance by colonial
authorities.
At independence, these preferences were reversed. Hutus were
favored.
These ID cards were later used to distinguish Tutsis from Hutus
in the 1994 massacres of Tutsis and moderate Hutus that resulted
in 800,000+ deaths.

8. Symbolization (Nazi)Symbolization (Nazi)
Germany)Germany)Jewish Passport: “Reisepäss”
Required to be carried by all Jews by 1938. Preceded the
yellow star.

9. Symbolization (NaziSymbolization (Nazi
Germany)Germany)
Nazis required the yellow Star of David emblem
to be worn by nearly all Jews in Nazi-occupied
Europe by 1941.

10. Symbolization (Nazi Germany)Symbolization (Nazi Germany)
 Homosexuals = pink trianglesHomosexuals = pink triangles
 Identified homosexuals to SS guards in theIdentified homosexuals to SS guards in the
campscamps
 Caused discrimination by fellow inmates whoCaused discrimination by fellow inmates who
shunned homosexualsshunned homosexuals

11. Symbolization (Cambodia)Symbolization (Cambodia)
 People in thePeople in the
Eastern Zone, nearEastern Zone, near
Vietnam, wereVietnam, were
accused of havingaccused of having
“Khmer bodies,“Khmer bodies,
but Vietnamesebut Vietnamese
heads.”heads.”
 They wereThey were
deported to otherdeported to other
areas to be workedareas to be worked
to death.to death.
 They were markedThey were marked
with a blue andwith a blue and
white checkedwhite checked
scarfscarf

12. Prevention: SymbolizationPrevention: Symbolization
 Get ethnic, religious, racial, andGet ethnic, religious, racial, and
national identities removed from IDnational identities removed from ID
cards, passports.cards, passports.
 Protest imposition of markingProtest imposition of marking
symbols on targeted groups (yellowsymbols on targeted groups (yellow
cloth on Hindus in Talibancloth on Hindus in Taliban
Afghanistan).Afghanistan).
 Protest negative or racist words forProtest negative or racist words for
groups (“niggers, kaffirs,” etc.)groups (“niggers, kaffirs,” etc.)
Work to make them culturallyWork to make them culturally
unacceptable.unacceptable.

13. Stage 3: DehumanizationStage 3: Dehumanization
 One group denies the humanity of another group, andOne group denies the humanity of another group, and
makes the victim group seem subhuman.makes the victim group seem subhuman.
 Dehumanization overcomes the normal humanDehumanization overcomes the normal human
revulsion against murder.revulsion against murder.
.Kangura Newspaper, Rwanda:
“The Solution for Tutsi
Cockroaches”
Der Stürmer Nazi Newspaper:
“The Blood Flows; The Jew
Grins”

14. DehumanizationDehumanization
Caption: Does the same soul dwell in these
bodies?
From a Nazi SS Propaganda Pamphlet:

15. DehumanizationDehumanization
 HateHate propaganda in speeches, print and on hate radiospropaganda in speeches, print and on hate radios
vilify the victim group.vilify the victim group.
 Members of the victim group are described asMembers of the victim group are described as animals,animals,
vermin,vermin, andand diseasesdiseases.. Hate radio, Radio Télévision Libre desHate radio, Radio Télévision Libre des
Mille Collines, during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, broadcastMille Collines, during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, broadcast
anti-Tutsi messages like “kill theanti-Tutsi messages like “kill the cockroachescockroaches” and “If this” and “If this
diseasedisease is not treated immediately, it will destroy all the Hutu.”is not treated immediately, it will destroy all the Hutu.”
 Dehumanization invokesDehumanization invokes superioritysuperiority of one group andof one group and
inferiorityinferiority of the “other.”of the “other.”
 Dehumanization justifies murder by calling it “Dehumanization justifies murder by calling it “ethnicethnic
cleansingcleansing,” or “,” or “purificationpurification.” Such.” Such euphemismseuphemisms hidehide
the horror of mass murder.the horror of mass murder.

16. Prevention:Prevention:
DehumanizationDehumanization Vigorously protest use ofVigorously protest use of
dehumanizing words that refer todehumanizing words that refer to
people as “filth,” “vermin,” animalspeople as “filth,” “vermin,” animals
or diseases. Deny people using suchor diseases. Deny people using such
words visas and freeze their foreignwords visas and freeze their foreign
assets and contributions.assets and contributions.
 Prosecute hate crimes andProsecute hate crimes and
incitements to commit genocide.incitements to commit genocide.
 Jam or shut down hate radio andJam or shut down hate radio and
television stations where there istelevision stations where there is
danger of genocide.danger of genocide.

17. Prevention:Prevention:
DehumanizationDehumanization
 Provide programs for tolerance toProvide programs for tolerance to
radio, TV, and newspapers.radio, TV, and newspapers.
 Enlist religious and political leadersEnlist religious and political leaders
to speak out and educate forto speak out and educate for
tolerance.tolerance.
 Organize inter-ethnic, interfaith,Organize inter-ethnic, interfaith,
and inter-racial groups to workand inter-racial groups to work
against hate and genocide.against hate and genocide.

18. Stage 4: OrganizationStage 4: Organization
 Genocide is aGenocide is a groupgroup crime, so must becrime, so must be organizedorganized..
 The state usually organizes, arms and financially supportsThe state usually organizes, arms and financially supports
the groups that conduct the genocidal massacres. (Statethe groups that conduct the genocidal massacres. (State
organization is not a legal requirement.)organization is not a legal requirement.)
 Plans are made by elites for a “final solution” of genocidalPlans are made by elites for a “final solution” of genocidal
killings.killings.

19. Organization (Rwanda)Organization (Rwanda)
 ““Hutu Power” elitesHutu Power” elites
armed youth militiasarmed youth militias
calledcalled InterahamweInterahamwe
("Those Who Stand("Those Who Stand
Together”).Together”).
 The government andThe government and
Hutu PowerHutu Power
businessmen providedbusinessmen provided
the militias with overthe militias with over
500,000 machetes500,000 machetes
and other arms andand other arms and
set up camps to trainset up camps to train
them to “protectthem to “protect
their villages” bytheir villages” by
exterminating everyexterminating every
Tutsi.Tutsi.

20. Prevention: OrganizationPrevention: Organization
 Treat genocidal groups as the organizedTreat genocidal groups as the organized
crime groups they are. Make membershipcrime groups they are. Make membership
in them illegal and demand that theirin them illegal and demand that their
leaders be arrested.leaders be arrested.
 Deny visas to leaders of hate groups andDeny visas to leaders of hate groups and
freeze their foreign assets.freeze their foreign assets.
 Impose arms embargoes on hate groupsImpose arms embargoes on hate groups
and governments supporting ethnic orand governments supporting ethnic or
religious hatred.religious hatred.
 Create UN commissions to enforce suchCreate UN commissions to enforce such
arms embargoes and call on UN membersarms embargoes and call on UN members
to arrest arms merchants who violateto arrest arms merchants who violate
them.them.

21. Stage 5: PolarizationStage 5: Polarization
 Extremists drive the groups apart.Extremists drive the groups apart.
 Hate groups broadcast and print polarizing propaganda.Hate groups broadcast and print polarizing propaganda.
 Laws are passed that forbid intermarriage or socialLaws are passed that forbid intermarriage or social
interaction.interaction.
 Political moderates are silenced, threatened andPolitical moderates are silenced, threatened and
intimidated, and killed.intimidated, and killed. •Public
demonstrations were
organized against
Jewish merchants.
• Moderate German
dissenters were the
first to be arrested
and sent to
concentration camps.

22. PolarizationPolarization
 Attacks areAttacks are
staged andstaged and
blamed onblamed on
targeted groups.targeted groups.
In Germany, the ReichstagIn Germany, the Reichstag
fire was blamed on Jewishfire was blamed on Jewish
Communists in 1933.Communists in 1933.
 Cultural centersCultural centers
of targetedof targeted
groups aregroups are
attacked.attacked.
On Kristalnacht in 1938,On Kristalnacht in 1938,
hundreds of synagogueshundreds of synagogues
were burned.were burned.

23. Prevention: PolarizationPrevention: Polarization
 Vigorously protest laws or policies thatVigorously protest laws or policies that
segregate or marginalize groups, or thatsegregate or marginalize groups, or that
deprive whole groups of citizenship rights.deprive whole groups of citizenship rights.
 Physically protect moderate leaders, byPhysically protect moderate leaders, by
use of armed guards and armoreduse of armed guards and armored
vehicles.vehicles.
 Demand the release of moderate leadersDemand the release of moderate leaders
if they are arrested. Demand and conductif they are arrested. Demand and conduct
investigations if they are murdered.investigations if they are murdered.
 Oppose coups d’état (gov’t overthrow) byOppose coups d’état (gov’t overthrow) by
extremists.extremists.

24. Stage 6: PreparationStage 6: Preparation
 Members of victimMembers of victim
groups are forced togroups are forced to
wearwear identifyingidentifying
symbolssymbols..
 Death listsDeath lists areare
made.made.
 Victims areVictims are
separatedseparated becausebecause
of their ethnic orof their ethnic or
religious identity.religious identity.

25. PreparationPreparation
 SegregationSegregation intointo
ghettoesghettoes is imposed,is imposed,
victims are forced intovictims are forced into
concentrationconcentration
camps.camps.
 Victims are alsoVictims are also
deported to famine-deported to famine-
struck regions forstruck regions for
starvationstarvation..
Forced Resettlement into
Ghettos – Poland 1939 -
1942

26. PreparationPreparation
 WeaponsWeapons for killingfor killing
are stock-piled.are stock-piled.
 ExterminationExtermination
campscamps are evenare even
built. This build- upbuilt. This build- up
of killing capacity is aof killing capacity is a
major step towardsmajor step towards
actual genocide.actual genocide.

27. Prevention: PreparationPrevention: Preparation
 With evidence of death lists, armsWith evidence of death lists, arms
shipments, militia training, and trialshipments, militia training, and trial
massacres, a Genocide Alert should bemassacres, a Genocide Alert should be
declared.declared.
 UN Security Council should warn it willUN Security Council should warn it will
act (but only if it reallyact (but only if it really willwill act.)act.)
Diplomats must warn potentialDiplomats must warn potential
perpetrators.perpetrators.
 Humanitarian relief should be prepared.Humanitarian relief should be prepared.
 Military intervention forces should beMilitary intervention forces should be
organized, including logistics andorganized, including logistics and
financing.financing.

28. Stage 7: ExterminationStage 7: Extermination
(Genocide)(Genocide)
 ExterminationExtermination
begins, andbegins, and
becomes thebecomes the
mass killingmass killing
legally calledlegally called
""genocidegenocide."."
Most genocide isMost genocide is
committed bycommitted by
governments.governments.
Einsatzgrupen: Nazi Killing
Squads

29. Extermination (Genocide)Extermination (Genocide)
Government organized
extermination of Tutsis in
Rwanda in 1994

30. Extermination (Genocide)Extermination (Genocide)
Roma (Gypsies) in a
Nazi death camp
•The killing is
“extermination”
to the killers
because they do
not believe the
victims are fully
human. They are
“cleansing” the
society of
impurities,
disease, animals,
vermin,
“cockroaches,”
or enemies.

31. Extermination (Genocide)Extermination (Genocide)
 Although most genocideAlthough most genocide
is sponsored andis sponsored and
financed by the state, thefinanced by the state, the
armed forces often workarmed forces often work
with local militias.with local militias.
Rwandan militia killing
squads
Nazi killing squad
working with local militia

32. Extermination: StoppingExtermination: Stopping
GenocideGenocide
 Regional organizations, nationalRegional organizations, national
governments, and the UN Securitygovernments, and the UN Security
Council should impose targeted sanctionsCouncil should impose targeted sanctions
to undermine the economic viability of theto undermine the economic viability of the
perpetrator regime.perpetrator regime.
 Sales of oil and imports of gasoline shouldSales of oil and imports of gasoline should
be stopped by blockade of ports and landbe stopped by blockade of ports and land
routes.routes.
 Perpetrators should be indicted by thePerpetrators should be indicted by the
International Criminal Court.International Criminal Court.

33. Extermination: StoppingExtermination: Stopping
GenocideGenocide
 The UN Security Council should authorizeThe UN Security Council should authorize
armed intervention by regional militaryarmed intervention by regional military
forces or by a UN force under Chapterforces or by a UN force under Chapter
Seven of the UN Charter.Seven of the UN Charter.
 The Mandate must include protection ofThe Mandate must include protection of
civilians and humanitarian workers and a Nocivilians and humanitarian workers and a No
Fly Zone.Fly Zone.
 The Rules of Engagement must be robust andThe Rules of Engagement must be robust and
include aggressive prevention of killing.include aggressive prevention of killing.
 The major military powers must provideThe major military powers must provide
leadership, logistics, airlift, communications,leadership, logistics, airlift, communications,
and financing.and financing.
 If the state where the genocide is underwayIf the state where the genocide is underway
will not permit entry, its UN membershipwill not permit entry, its UN membership

34. Stage 8: DenialStage 8: Denial
 Denial is always found in genocide, bothDenial is always found in genocide, both
during it and after it.during it and after it.
 Continuing denial is among the surestContinuing denial is among the surest
indicators of further genocidal massacres.indicators of further genocidal massacres.
 Denial extends the crime of genocide toDenial extends the crime of genocide to
future generations of the victims. It is afuture generations of the victims. It is a
continuation of the intent to destroy thecontinuation of the intent to destroy the
group.group.
 The tactics of denial are predictable.The tactics of denial are predictable.

35. Denial: Deny the Evidence.Denial: Deny the Evidence.
 Deny that there was any massDeny that there was any mass
killing at all.killing at all.
 Question and minimize theQuestion and minimize the
statistics.statistics.
 Block access to archives andBlock access to archives and
witnesses.witnesses.

36. Denial: Deny the EvidenceDenial: Deny the Evidence
 Destroy the evidence. (Burn theDestroy the evidence. (Burn the
bodies and the archives, dig up andbodies and the archives, dig up and
burn the mass graves, throw bodiesburn the mass graves, throw bodies
in rivers or seas.)in rivers or seas.)
Holocaust Death-Camp
Crematoria

37. Denial: Attack the truth-Denial: Attack the truth-
tellers.tellers.
 Attack the motives of the truth-Attack the motives of the truth-
tellers. Say they are opposed to thetellers. Say they are opposed to the
religion, ethnicity, or nationality ofreligion, ethnicity, or nationality of
the deniers (“Conspiracythe deniers (“Conspiracy
theorists”)theorists”)
 Point out atrocities committed byPoint out atrocities committed by
people from the truth-tellers’people from the truth-tellers’
group. Imply they are morallygroup. Imply they are morally
disqualified to accuse thedisqualified to accuse the
perpetrators.perpetrators.

38. Denial: Deny GenocidalDenial: Deny Genocidal
Intent.Intent.
 Claim that the deaths wereClaim that the deaths were
inadvertent (due to famine,inadvertent (due to famine,
migration, or disease).migration, or disease).
 Blame “out of control” forces forBlame “out of control” forces for
the killings.the killings.
 Blame the deaths on ancient ethnicBlame the deaths on ancient ethnic
conflicts.conflicts.

39. Denial: Blame the Victims.Denial: Blame the Victims.
 Emphasize the strangeness of theEmphasize the strangeness of the
victims. They are not like us.victims. They are not like us.
(savages, infidels)(savages, infidels)
 Claim they were disloyal insurgentsClaim they were disloyal insurgents
in a war.in a war.
 Call it a “civil war,” not genocide.Call it a “civil war,” not genocide.
 Claim that the deniers’ group alsoClaim that the deniers’ group also
suffered huge losses in the “war.”suffered huge losses in the “war.”
The killings were in self-defense.The killings were in self-defense.

40. Denial: Deny facts fit legal definitionDenial: Deny facts fit legal definition
genocide.genocide. They’re crimes against humanity, notThey’re crimes against humanity, not
genocide.genocide.
 They’re “ethnic cleansing”, notThey’re “ethnic cleansing”, not
genocide.genocide.
 There’s not enough proof of specificThere’s not enough proof of specific
intent to destroy a group, “as such.”intent to destroy a group, “as such.”
(“Many survived!”-(“Many survived!”-
UN Commission of Inquiry on Darfur.)UN Commission of Inquiry on Darfur.)
 Claim the only “real” genocides are likeClaim the only “real” genocides are like
the Holocaust: “in whole.”the Holocaust: “in whole.”
(Ignore the “in part” in the Genocide(Ignore the “in part” in the Genocide
Convention.)Convention.)
 Claim declaring genocide would legallyClaim declaring genocide would legally
obligate us to intervene. (We don’t wantobligate us to intervene. (We don’t want

41. Why has the UN not stoppedWhy has the UN not stopped
genocide ?genocide ?
 Genocide succeeds when stateGenocide succeeds when state
sovereignty blocks internationalsovereignty blocks international
responsibility to protect.responsibility to protect.
 The UN represents states, notThe UN represents states, not
peoples.peoples.
 Since founding of UN:Since founding of UN:
Over 45 genocides and politicidesOver 45 genocides and politicides
Over 70 million deadOver 70 million dead
 Genocide prevention ≠ conflictGenocide prevention ≠ conflict

42. Prevention requires:Prevention requires:
1.Early
warning
2. Rapid
response
3. Courts for
accountability

43. Genocide continues due to:
•Lack of authoritative international
institutions to predict it
•Lack of ready rapid response forces to
stop it
UNAMIR peacekeeper in Rwanda,
April 1994

44. Genocide continues due to:
•Lack of political will to peacefully
prevent it and to forcefully intervene
to stop it
UN Security Council votes to withdraw
UNAMIR troops from Rwanda, April
1994

45. Prevention: Political WillPrevention: Political Will
 Build an international massBuild an international mass
movement tomovement to end genocide in thisend genocide in this
centurycentury..
 Organize civil society and human rightsOrganize civil society and human rights
groups.groups.
 Mobilize religious leaders of churches,Mobilize religious leaders of churches,
mosques, synagogues, and temples.mosques, synagogues, and temples.
 Put genocide education in curricula ofPut genocide education in curricula of
every secondary school and university inevery secondary school and university in
the world.the world.
 Hold political leaders accountable. IfHold political leaders accountable. If
they fail to act to stop genocide, votethey fail to act to stop genocide, vote
them out of office.them out of office.

46. Never Again? Or Again andNever Again? Or Again and
Again?Again?
 How can we use the 8How can we use the 8
Stages of Genocide toStages of Genocide to
develop more effectivedevelop more effective
ways to prevent genocideways to prevent genocide
in the future?in the future?
 Even with early warning,Even with early warning,
how can we achievehow can we achieve
effective early response toeffective early response to
prevent and stopprevent and stop
genocide?genocide?