Frontiers of Prevention: April 8-9, 2022


Welcome to I-GMAP's 2022 international conference,
Frontiers of Prevention

Friday-Saturday, April 8-9 2022  In Person with Live Streaming

Since 2017, Frontiers of Prevention, I-GMAP’s annual international conference, has brought academic researchers and prevention practitioners from governments, international organizations, and civil society to ßÙßÇÂþ»­â€™s Downtown Campus for two days of conversation, sharing notes and experiences, and forming new professional connections and networks.

Unlike more familiar academic conferences, Frontiers of Prevention has a workshop format. Over the conference's two days, seven extended thematic sessions, without formal presentations, allow participants and audience members to explore topics in depth, to make connections among different thematic panels, and to pursue collaborations and test new ideas.


Conference Location

Frontiers of Prevention takes place in the [Google map pin]. This is ßÙßÇÂþ»­'s single-building downtown campus, and is not to be confused with [Goolge map pin], which is located approximately five miles west of ßÙßÇÂþ»­, NY. When you receive the conference program we will also include a map with all relevant locations.

UDC Address: 67 Washington St, ßÙßÇÂþ»­, NY 13902

Please noteFrontiers of Prevention, as with other events held on ßÙßÇÂþ»­ is subject to the university-wide vaccination policy and masking policy. Non-ßÙßÇÂþ»­ students, staff, and faculty attendees must either show a proof of vaccination, a recent negative PCR test within the past 48 hours, or be required to wear a mask while indoors.

If you are experiencing any acute COVID-19 symptoms (fever/chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion/runny nose, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea), we ask that you do NOT come to the conference. Instead, please visit any of our off-campus testing sites and follow the appropriate isolation guidelines.

The conference will be live streamed for those who are not able to attend in person. Please be sure to follow our , and pages to stay up to date.


Travel to ßÙßÇÂþ»­

Since the workshop begins promptly on the morning of Friday, April 8, we request that you plan on arriving in ßÙßÇÂþ»­ on Thursday, April 7. The workshop continues until the evening of Saturday, April 9, so you should plan on a stay of three nights, with a departure on Sunday April 10.

Travel to ßÙßÇÂþ»­ NY can be challenging, but we are prepared to assist you in any way we can with information and assistance in arranging your travel.

Consult the University's detailed maps and directions for arriving at the University Downtown Center. 

By air:

The Greater ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Airport (BGM) is currently serviced only by Delta Airlines. Two flights (commuter jet) arrive daily from Detroit International Airport, one in the early evening (around 5:20 PM) and the second in the evening (around 10:20 PM).

If you are planning to fly on Delta Airlines to ßÙßÇÂþ»­, the trip via taxi or Uber/Lyft from Greater ßÙßÇÂþ»­ Airport to the University Downtown Center and Conference Hotel should cost around $30.00. 

You may also plan to fly into either Syracuse Airport (SYR) or Ithaca Airport (ITH). Both of these have jet service from multiple airlines. Both Syracuse and Ithaca airports are approximately one hour by car from ßÙßÇÂþ»­.

By Bus:

Shortline Bus Company and Greyhound offer regular bus service from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal to ßÙßÇÂþ»­. The travel time is approximately 3.5 hours. The Conference Hotel is either a very short cab ride or a ten-minute walk to the Conference Hotel.

By Car:

ßÙßÇÂþ»­, New York, is at the confluence of two major interstates: Route 17/86 and Route 81. Travel time by car from New York City or Philadelphia is approximately 3 hours; from Boston approximately 4.5 hours, and from Washington D.C. approximately 5 hours.

ßÙßÇÂþ»­ weather

ßÙßÇÂþ»­ is in the Southern Tier region of New York state, which is north of New York City. While the conference will take place during the Spring season, early April can still be a cold time of year, with occasional snow and cold temperatures. In addition to snow, wind, and sleet, it is possible to see temperatures of -6°C, especially in the night. Please be sure that you bring appropriate clothing, including warm coat, hat, gloves, and warm waterproof shoes. Layering is encouraged during this time of year, with an average high between 5°C and 12°C and an average low of -4°C to 2°C.


Conference Hotel

The official hotel for Frontiers of Prevention is the Holiday Inn ßÙßÇÂþ»­ (Located in Downtown ßÙßÇÂþ»­):


Phone number is (+1) 607.722.1212.
Address is 2-8 Hawley St., ßÙßÇÂþ»­, NY 13901, USA (directly adjacent to the University Downtown Center (UDC)).

Attendees can reserve rooms at the Holiday Inn ßÙßÇÂþ»­ for a reduced rate of $119.00 per night. When making phone reservations, please mention the Frontiers of Prevention conference hosted by the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention at ßÙßÇÂþ»­ University.

To make reservations online, please visit the and follow the step-by-step instructions as listed below:

  • Click Book Now
  • Enter Check-In,  Check-Out Dates and Group Code: BUI
  • Then Search (It will show the rooms types and rate)
  • Click on Select Room
  • Click on Select Rate It will then prompt you to enter guest information (name, address, email etc.)

Conference Program

Friday April 8th and Saturday April 9th
University Downtown Center (UDC), 2nd Floor

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

8:30 – 9:00am

Registration and Breakfast

University Downtown Center Atrium

9:00 – 9:30am

Welcome and Introduction

Welcome: Harvey Stenger, President, ßÙßÇÂþ»­

Introduction and Goals of the Conference:  Max Pensky, Co-Director, I-GMAP

9:30 – 11:00am

Panel 1: Post-Atrocity Resilience of Survivors of Sexual Violence

Abstract: This panel takes post-atrocity resilience not as an individual feature but as the  consequence of various social, economic, and political structures on individuals. It aims to garner panelists' views on identifying the mechanisms which either support or harm the resilience of survivors of conflict related sexual violence.

Panelists:

  • Laila Khoudeida, Co-founder, Yazda
  • Akila Radhakrishnan, President,
  • Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum, Clinical Associate Professor of Law and Director, , Cardozo School of Law
  • Tutku Ayhan, Charles E. Scheidt Postdoctoral Research Fellow, I-GMAP (moderator)

11:00 – 11:30am

Break

11:30am – 1:00pm

Panel 2: Visual Imagery in Atrocity Risk and Early Warning

Abstract: Atrocity prevention has begun to foreground the role of online speech as a potent driver of atrocity risk. Flagging and responding to mis- and dis-information carried on social media platforms is now an integral part of any coordinated effort to address that risk. In addition to  dangerous speech, visual imagery - especially in the form of deepfakes, cheapfakes, and other forms of visual misinformation - is emerging as a critical locus of prevention work.  But widespread access to social media platforms, as well as cheap technology for rapidly recording and uploading images, also creates new opportunities user documentation of atrocity crimes. Emerging AI applications can rapidly authenticate images and flag dis- and misinformation. Network analysis can reveal otherwise hidden patterns of perpetrator's online behavior, and help with early warning. This panel discusses the emerging landscape of online speech and visual technology as both risk driver and prevention resource.

Panelists:

  • Sandra Ristovska, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
  • Iria Puyosa, Senior Research Fellow at Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab
  • Ernesto Verdeja, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Notre Dame
  • Jeremy Blackburn, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, ßÙßÇÂþ»­
  • Max Pensky, Co-Director, I-GMAP (moderator)

1:00 – 2:00pm

Lunch

University Downtown Center Atrium

2:00 – 3:30pm

Panel 3: Business, Human Rights and Atrocity Prevention in Conflict Affected Regions

Abstract: Within the framework of the UN , as well as building on the findings and conclusions formulated by the UN in its report entitled , this panel will outline the range of policies and tools that states, and businesses could both employ in conflict-affected and high-risk environments, for the respect of human rights, and particularly, for the prevention of atrocity crimes. 

Panelists:

  • Anita Ramasastry, , Professor of Law and Director of the Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development at the University of Washington School of Law
  • Mariana Salazar Albornoz, Academic Programs Associate for Latin America and International Law, . Member of the Inter-American Juridical Committee of the . Professor at , Mexico City.
  • Owen Pell, President of the Board of the . Retired partner of .
  • Jaime Godoy, Fulbright Visiting Scholar, I-GMAP (moderator) 

3:30 – 4:00pm

Break

4:00 – 5:30pm

Panel 4: Decolonial Transitional Justice

Abstract: Decolonizing the transitional justice industry of praxis, currently dominated by a technocratic mainstream approach to addressing past and ongoing atrocities, requires decentering normativity in theory and practice that prioritizes types of violence, response, and societal change that advance (neo)liberal globalism regardless of affected populations’ experiences and interests. Panelists will discuss their observations and efforts working toward this end as well as opportunities to further advance this agenda in reconceptualizing what transitional justice is and facilitating non-mainstream approaches to legitimately exist, and in the case of Indigenous Peoples to re-exist, as transitional justice practice. 

Panelists:

  • Kaila Johnston, Supervisor of Education, Outreach, and Public Programming, , Canada

  • Simon Robins, Senior Research Fellow, , University of York, United Kingdom

  • Saghar Sara Birjandian, Charles E. Scheidt Postdoctoral Fellow, I-GMAP

  • Kerry Whigham, Assistant Professor of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention, I-GMAP (moderator)

6:00pm

Reception

University Downtown Center Atrium


SATURDAY, APRIL 9

9:00 – 9:30am

Breakfast

University Downtown Center Atrium

9:30 – 11:00am

Panel 5: The Responsibility to Protect: Looking Back and Ahead

Abstract: Since 2005, the doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) has been the accepted international norm on the responsibilities of states and the international community to protect populations from genocides, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. Few norms in the field of atrocity prevention are as widely accepted for their atrocity prevention potential and simultaneously critiqued for failure to prevent atrocities. This panel will include a discussion of what is and isn’t working within the current three-pillar framework of R2P under the auspices of the United Nations, and explore opportunities for evolving, devolving and expanding R2P both practically and conceptually. 

Panelists:

  • Kate Ferguson, Co-Executive Director and Head of Research and Policy,  
  • Savita Pawnday, Executive Director,
  • Karen Smith, University Lecturer, Leiden University, Netherlands and former Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Responsibility to Protect (2019-2021) 
  • Frank Osei, Charles E. Scheidt Resident Practitioner, I-GMAP; Research Associate, , Ghana
  • Jeffrey Sizemore, Senior Advisor on Atrocity Prevention at Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, US Department of State (moderator)
11:00 -11:30am Break
11:30am – 1:00pm

Panel 6: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Post-Coup Myanmar:  Women’s Voices from the Burmese Diaspora
  
Abstract: February 2022 marked the first anniversary of the Tatmadaw’s military coup in Myanmar, and with it the re-imposition of brutal military rule and atrocity violence directed at Burmese civilians.  Escalating sexual and gender-based violence, especially targeting ethnic and religious minorities such as the Rohingya, has been prominent in the military’s overall campaign to crush democratic resistance. In this panel, four women from the Burmese diaspora, three of them Rohingya, discuss what the past year of military rule in Myanmar has meant from a gender perspective, and how the international community can respond.

Panelists:

  • Zakia, physician and founder and director, Sexuality Education Service
  • Wai Wai Nu, Rohingya social justice activist, Executive Director,
  • Yasmin Ullah, Rohingya social justice activist
  • Raziya Sultana, Rohingya lawyer, researcher and educator specializing in trauma, mass rape and trafficking of Rohingya girls and women
  • Tutku Ayhan, Charles E. Scheidt Postdoctoral fellow, I-GMAP (moderator)
1:00 – 2:30pm Lunch
2:30 – 4:00pm

Panel 7: The Risk of Mass Atrocity and Genocide Crimes Against the Hazaras under the Taliban Regime

Abstract: The panel includes scholars from the Hazara community to provide historical context and discuss the risks of mass atrocity crimes in Afghanistan. The questions of the Taliban’s ability and inability to protect vulnerable groups in Afghanistan, such as the Hazaras, will be explored, the Taliban’s continuation of discriminatory policies against the Hazaras will be discussed; and highlight the roles and responsibilities of the international community to protect vulnerable groups and prevent mass atrocity crimes  in Afghanistan.

Panelists:

  • Salima Mazari, former District Governor in the Charkint District of Afghanistan
  • Elham Sana, Fulbright Scholar at ßÙßÇÂþ»­, and former Outreach Communications Specialist with Ministry of Interior Affairs of Afghanistan
  • Ali Yawar Adili, Analyst and Former Country Director,
  • William Maley, Professor of Diplomacy Emeritus, Australian National University
  • Waheed Ahmad, Charles E. Scheidt Resident Practitioner, I-GMAP (moderator)
4:00 – 4:30pm Break
4:30 – 5:30pm Closing Group Conversation
5:30pm Closing Remarks

Technical

While this year's conference will be held as an in-person event, we will be offering a livestream option as we welcome our expanding global audience. All times displayed will be in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). We will be sending out a link to our livestream through our , and to our subscribers on our .


Registration

Frontiers of Prevention is free to attend, and will be held as an in-person event, with an option for streaming for our international audience. If you will be able to attend the event in-person, please register by clicking the Conference Registration button below.

If you are interested in attending, but are unable to physically attend the event, be sure to sign up for our to receive a link to join a livestream of the event as we approach the date!


Meals

Friday, April 8:

  • Light breakfast at the UDC*
  • Catered lunch at the UDC*
  • Evening reception at the UDC*
  • Dinner will be on your own

Saturday, April 9:

  • Light breakfast at the UDC*
  • Catered lunch at the UDC*
  • Closing group dinner at the Holiday Inn ßÙßÇÂþ»­*

*For all catered events both at the UDC and the Holiday Inn ßÙßÇÂþ»­, vegetarian options will be provided. Please inform us via email at igmap@binghamton.edu of any special dietary requirements by March 25th so we can plan accordingly.