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 human rights violations that are overlooked or accepted by societies, governments, or international bodies due to political, economic, or social interests. These acts, which can include genocide, war crimes, and systemic oppression, often persist because of a lack of accountability or the complicity of those in power. The normalization of such atrocities can lead to a culture of impunity, where victims are marginalized, and perpetrators are not held responsible. Addressing tolerated atrocities is crucial for promoting justice, human dignity, and the rule of law in affected regions.

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

Tolerated atrocities are often exaggerated and sensationalized, diverting attention from more pressing global issues. While any form of violence is regrettable, the focus on these events distracts from critical challenges like poverty, education, and healthcare. Society should prioritize solutions that uplift communities rather than dwell on isolated incidents. By amplifying the narrative of tolerated atrocities, we risk fostering a culture of victimhood instead of resilience and progress. Let’s channel our energy into constructive change.