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"Conversations on Genocide" is a podcast series that brings together legal experts, historians, human rights activists, and survivors to explore the complexities of genocide. Through engaging discussions, it aims to deepen understanding of genocide and foster global commitment to preventing future genocides.
Episode 27:
Seeking Justice: An Interview with Steve Crawshaw on Genocide, Accountability, and Human Rights
In this episode of "Conversations on Genocide," Michal interviews Steve Crawshaw, a leading human rights advocate and author, about his experiences confronting genocide and mass atrocities. Crawshaw discusses the evolution and challenges of international justice, the significance of survivor testimony, and the ongoing struggle against global inaction and complicity. He highlights the importance of accountability, the role of truth in healing, and offers resources for further education on human rights and genocide prevention.
Episode 26:
Remembering Genocide on the Stage: Legal Aliens Theatre’s Adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s Flowers of Srebrenica
How does an artist representing genocide navigate the tension between respectful commemoration and critical engagement? Why does the stage lend itself particularly well to remembering stories of genocide? What does it take for ‘spectators’ to care? In this episode, our Research Director, Kolby, sits down with Legal Aliens Theatre Director Lara Parmiani to discuss their company’s stage adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s book, Flowers of Srebrenica. Their discussions delve into the broader work of Legal Aliens Theatre, the artistic choices made in adapting Hehir’s book to the stage, the different reactions from audiences throughout the Balkans, the company’s expectations for their upcoming Western European shows, and the significance of their adaptation in a time of ongoing genocide.
Episode 25:
Documenting War Through Photography: The War in Ukraine
On today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Emily and Finia with our Ukraine task force sit down with two wartime photographers, Justyna Mielnikiewicz and Laurin Strele, to discuss their experiences capturing conflict on camera. Focusing on the war in Ukraine, the discussion delves into their work documenting moments of resilience and humanity, amid intense conflict and strife.
Episode 24:
The Lives of Women & Girls Under the Taliban
Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, women and girls have faced systemic violence and the stripping of human rights. Women have been denied the ability to join the workforce, access education, and cannot let their voices be heard outside the house. In this episode, Raziya Masumi tells us about the brutal treatment of women and girls under the Taliban. Raziya is a legal expert, and leads the Afghanistan Task Force at Genocide Watch.
Episode 23:
Why Is the U.N. Ineffective at Preventing Genocide?
Why is the U.N. so ineffective at preventing genocide? What changes need to be made to the U.N. for it to become an effective body in preventing, addressing, and redressing genocide? In this episode, Elia is joined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, the founder of Genocide Watch, to explore these questions, as well as outline the design flaws present in U.N. conventions addressing genocide, and what needs to change for the U.N. to reflect its stated values and mission in regards to genocide.
Episode 22:
The Healing Power of Sharing Victims' Stories
What is the healing power of victims of genocide sharing their stories, and what challenges do victims face in sharing? How do victim testimonies affect understandings of genocide and pathways to reconciliation and forgiveness? In this episode, Bhaswati is joined by Professor Drew Kahn to discuss his experience collecting victim testimonies and transforming them into performances, as well as his work with the the Anne Frank Project, a multilayered program at Buffalo State University that utilizes the wisdom of Anne Frank as a springboard for the examination of conflict education and social justice through the lens of story and performance.
Episode 21:
Peter Metzelaar: Story of a Holocaust Survivor
Peter Metzelaar, a Holocaust survivor, joins Beth on today's episode. Peter was born in Amsterdam in 1935. In 1942, when Peter was 7, the Nazis seized Peter's entire family except for Peter and his mother. He tells us his incredible story of survival, resilience, and the importance of Holocaust education.
Episode 20:
What Is Cultural Genocide?
What is cultural genocide? Why are acts of cultural genocide excluded from the legal definition of genocide? In this episode, Professor Jeff Bachman joins Elia to discuss his research into the history of cultural genocide and some of its present day manifestations.
Episode 19:
Investigating War Crimes in Ukraine: Insights from Global Rights Compliance with Maksym Vishchyk and Jeremy Pizzi
In this thought-provoking episode, Genocide Watch's Ukraine Task Force dives into urgent discussions surrounding the ongoing investigations into war crimes in Ukraine. Join its members as they sit down with two distinguished lawyers from Global Rights Compliance, Maksym Vishchyk and Jeremy Pizzi, renowned for their work in international law and human rights advocacy.
Our guests shed light on the legal frameworks governing war crimes and the complexities of gathering evidence amidst conflict. Listen to gain a deeper understanding of the legal battles taking place in Ukraine and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Episode 18:
Post-Genocide Rwanda Memorialization and Reconciliation with Dr. Nicole Fox
What role do atrocity memorials play in transitional justice, and how do communities heal in the decades that follow? In today's episode, Beth is joined by Dr. Nicole Fox to explore how memorials to past atrocities contribute to the healing and reconciliation of genocide survivors. Focusing on the 1994 Rwandan genocide, they delve into the memorials dedicated to its victims and survivors, and examine what healing has looked like over the 30 years since.
Episode 17:
Genocide, Conflict, and Mental Health: Survivors of the Kurdish Genocide
How do we understand the psychological, mental health, and cognitive impacts on the survivors and offspring of genocide? Darya Ahmed is a clinical psychologist and scientific researcher with Koya University and specializes in psychological trauma in the context of the Kurdish Genocide. In today's episode, Darya joins Beth to discuss his research on psychological trauma during genocide, war, conflict, and related topics.
Episode 16:
A Discussion on the Illegal Transfer of Ukrainian Children with Kateryna Rashevska and Olha Yerokhina
January 11 is the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States. Genocide Watch marks this date by highlighting the ongoing illegal transfer and abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation. As a part of its genocidal champaign against the Ukrainian nation, Russia has been engaging in the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children since 2014, which has only intensified since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Listen to legal expert Kateryna Rashevska from the Regional Centre for Human Rights in Ukraine and Olha Yerokhina, Press Secretary from Save Ukraine, speak about their work repatriating Ukrainian children and promoting accountability for this crime.
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