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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 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.
Episode 15:
Advocating Against the Use of Children in Armed Conflict with Dr. Shelley Whitman
What unique challenges do children face in times of genocide and mass atrocities? How can we prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict? What would placing children at the heart of prevention and justice efforts mean for global peace and security? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia speaks with Dr. Shelley Whitman, the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security. The Dallaire Institute is one of the leading international repository of expertise, research and advocacy to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. Dr. Whitman provides an outline of the unique challenges the use of children in conflict pose in human rights, genocide prevention, and post-conflict justice pose, as well as provide insight into the Dallaire Institute's work and style of advocacy.
Episode 14:
Anti-Muslim Hate in India and the Indian Diaspora with Safa Ahmed
What challenges do Indian Muslims face in India and abroad due to the rise of Hindu nationalism? What does advocacy for the rights of Indian American Muslims look like? In today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Elia speaks with Safa Ahmed, the Associate Director of Media & Communications for the Indian American Muslim Council. The IAMC is the largest US-based advocacy organization of Indian American Muslims, working to promote pluralism, tolerance, and respect through education, community outreach, and other initiatives. Ms. Ahmed shares a brief history of Hindu nationalism and the challenges faced by Muslims within India and the greater Indian diaspora, as well as provide insight into the work of the IAMC and its impact within the US.
Episode 13:
Libya’s Lost History: Italian Fascism and a Forgotten Genocide with Dr. Ali Ahmida
What was Libya's colonial experience under Italian fascism? Why has the genocide of Libyans been largely overlooked? And what connections exist between this dark chapter and the Nazis? In today’s episode, Maryam delves into these questions and more with Dr. Ali Abdullatif Ahmida, a professor at the University of New England and a leading expert on Libya. We uncover the history of a forgotten genocide, shedding light on the dismissed brutality of Italian fascists—a dark chapter that remains largely unknown, even among scholars. This conversation highlights the importance of revisiting suppressed histories to understand the lingering impacts of colonial violence and the need for historical accountability.
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