At the end of the 20th century, there was strong optimism that genocide could be eradicated, or at the very least made punishable, whereas its denial would be confined to the margins of public discourse. However, a quarter into the 21st century, this optimism has been deeply challenged. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Central Africa, and Eastern Europe have brought immense suffering to civilians, often without proper recognition or accountability, in a global climate where international law is increasingly disregarded and norms are steadily eroded.

As political dynamics have shifted, it is perhaps unsurprising that different forms of genocide denial are moving from the fringes into the mainstream. While denialist narratives continue to circulate through traditional channels, they are now amplified by digital technologies such as social media and AI, expanding their reach and impact. In response to these developments, this event examines different approaches to confronting both longstanding and emerging forms of genocide denial. It also seeks to examine the responsibilities of scholars who study mass atrocities, as well as the ways in which the broader public can actively challenge the harmful dismissal of well-documented instances of extreme human suffering.