Swift, impartial and well conducted investigations are the necessary basis for uncovering the truth and holding accountable those who are responsible for mass atrocities. This is especially true for those most responsible, those who order or condone such acts, as they are often in positions of leadership far away from the actual events. Having the right experts responding quickly to identify, collect, preserve and report on such evidence is the key.

Unless we secure evidence to hold perpetrators accountable, we will not be able to bring justice to victims, their families, and their communities. Nor can we create credible deterrence against the commission of similar crimes in the future. Bringing justice is essential to breaking the cycle of atrocity-laced violence in countries whose populations have too long suffered under this burden. This, in turn, can be the spark that generates a real chance for lasting peace for these societies.