Conference 2026

Northeastern Illinois University's 12th Annual Conference on Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora

Breaking the Cycle: From Re-membrance to Prevention

Alumni Hall
March 2, 3 and 4, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625

Conference Program and Materials

The 12th Annual GHRAD Conference took place March 2-4, 2026 at Northeastern Illinois University. The conference brought together scholars, students, educators, activists, practitioners and community members to examine the relationship between remembrance, justice, human rights and genocide prevention.

Conference materials remain available for reference below.

• View the Summarized Program

• View the Full Conference Program

  This conference was open to the public and welcomed all those interested in genocide prevention, human rights, education, advocacy and community engagement.

Conference Highlights

The Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora hosted its 12th annual conference at Northeastern Illinois University from March 2-4, 2026. The conference focused on the link between the memory of past genocides and the prevention of future atrocities.

Under the theme Breaking the Cycle: From Re-membrance to Prevention, the conference invited participants to consider how communities, institutions and global systems can confront histories of mass violence while working toward prevention, accountability and justice. Sessions explored the ways memory can serve as both a source of healing and a call to action, especially in contexts shaped by political violence, displacement, denial and ongoing human rights concerns.

The 2026 conference also reflected on the continued relevance of the Responsibility to Protect and the urgent need for stronger international commitments to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Through presentations, dialogue and community engagement, the conference created space for critical reflection on how remembrance can move beyond commemoration and contribute to meaningful prevention.

Keynote Speaker

The GHRAD Center was honored to welcome Dr. Mamphela Ramphele as the keynote speaker for the 12th Annual Conference. A distinguished South African activist, medical doctor and global leader, Dr. Ramphele brought a powerful perspective to the conference theme through her lifelong commitment to justice, human dignity and liberation.

As a co-founder of the Black Consciousness Movement alongside Steve Biko, Dr. Ramphele played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Her experiences as an activist, scholar and leader offered attendees valuable insight into the relationship between memory, systemic oppression, liberation and prevention.

Dr. Ramphele’s work on psycho-social liberation added an important dimension to the conference discussions, emphasizing that true justice requires not only political change but also healing, dignity and structural transformation. Her contributions as former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town and former Managing Director of the World Bank further highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to human rights and global justice.

We are thrilled to offer our attendees the opportunity to hear from one of the world's most inspiring and influential voices on human rights.

Questions?
For conference-related inquiries or access to conference materials, please contact the GHRAD Center at hrights@neiu.edu

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