The Aegis Trust is an international organization working to prevent genocide. Through education, Aegis works to build long-term peace by encouraging communities to change from mindsets of mistrust and prejudice that lead to genocide, to a position of shared responsibility for peace and stability. Aegis conducts and encourages research about how genocide comes about to [...]
The prevention of genocide and mass atrocities is a global mission, but Aegis does not currently have resources or capacity to address every situation relevant to that mission. Aegis therefore has to make carefully considered strategic decisions about where to focus its efforts. For Aegis to run a project, programme or campaign in a situation [...]
Aegis is largely funded by a combination of private donations, government funding and support from social enterprises. There are several enterprises supporting the Aegis Trust’s work, including White Rose Recycled Fashion in the UK and Champion Humanity Enterprise in Rwanda.
Aegis started with an initial grant of $20,000. Since then, the organization has raised some $30 million and is now one of the leading authorities in the area of genocide prevention. Although relatively small, Aegis has accomplished substantial achievements and continues to support dynamic programs since it was founded in 2000. Bringing dignity and comfort [...]
Much like health epidemics that can ravage communities and nations, there are risk factors, warning signs and underlying causes that lead to genocide. This also means that there are opportunities for early detection and prevention. With co-founder James Smith’s experience as a medical doctor and surgeon, Aegis has been able to view the predictable causes [...]
The word ‘aegis’ is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning shield or protection: to come under the ‘aegis’ of something is to come under its protection. Recognising that groups are at risk of being the targets of genocide when they fall outside of the obligation of their own society, their own government and the international community [...]
The organisation works to prevent genocide and help individuals and societies recover in its aftermath. Aegis is committed to remembering the atrocities of the past, investing in the peace-builders of tomorrow and advocating for those at risk of genocide today. Aegis fulfils its mission by: (i) social change through education, public awareness and accountability; and [...]
In 1995, the Smith brothers founded the National Holocaust Centre in the United Kingdom to teach current and future generations to carefully examine and learn from past tragedies. However, as genocide and crimes against humanity continued through the 1990’s in places like Bosnia, Rwanda and Kosovo, the Smith brothers reached two conclusions: 1) remembrance of past [...]
Aegis America, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed in response to the interests of U.S. citizens committed to its mission. Aegis America supports the work of The Aegis Trust through fundraising, global engagement, outreach and education. Its founding committee is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with local committees being organised in D.C., Los Angeles, New York [...]
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