Tolerated atrocities

Passive atrocities
Preventable disabilities
Routine torture
Expendable people
Sanctioned atrocities
Customary atrocities
Acceptable misery
Condoned suffering
Atrocious tradeoffs
Collateral damage
Ignored outrages

Nature

Tolerated atrocities refer to severe violations of human rights or acts of violence that are knowingly ignored, accepted, or insufficiently addressed by authorities, institutions, or societies. This tolerance often stems from political, economic, or social interests, leading to impunity for perpetrators and prolonged suffering for victims. The problem undermines justice, erodes trust in institutions, and perpetuates cycles of abuse. Addressing tolerated atrocities requires international attention, accountability mechanisms, and societal commitment to human rights, as their persistence signals a failure to uphold fundamental ethical and legal standards.

Background

The global phenomenon of tolerated atrocities gained prominence in the aftermath of World War II, as revelations of systematic violence and complicity shocked the international community. Subsequent conflicts, such as those in Rwanda and the Balkans, further exposed the persistence of atrocities overlooked or implicitly accepted by authorities and societies. Growing documentation by organizations like Human Rights Watch and the United Nations has deepened understanding of how political, social, and economic factors contribute to the normalization of such abuses.

Incidence

There are at least 550 million persons with disabilities today who represent around one in ten of the world's population. Around 450 million of them live in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, 60% of the causes of disability could have been – or still could be – alleviated through low-cost preventative measures. In 1992, the director of UNICEF declared that for a few dollars per capita, the parents of the world could be helped to prevent their children from becoming malnourished, blinded, crippled, mentally retarded or dead.

Claim

In 1997, more people in the world died (nearly six million) from tuberculosis and malaria than in any previous year. The growth in gross global GNP and capability did not stop these diseases of poverty from their mass destruction. Concentration of power and wealth and the gross insensitivity of economic and political leadership had a good deal to do with these preventable casualties.

Counter-claim

The notion that "tolerated atrocities" are a significant problem is vastly overstated. In today’s world, most societies have robust legal systems and international oversight to prevent serious abuses. Focusing on so-called "tolerated atrocities" distracts from real progress and undermines the efforts of those working to improve human rights. It is not a pressing issue; rather, it is an exaggerated concern that diverts attention from more immediate and tangible societal challenges.