Students from seven countries take Zoryan's Genocide prevention course in Toronto

Published: Wednesday September 01, 2010

Prof. Roger Smith (center) with students and staff of the Zoryan program.

Toronto - Students from Argentina, Canada, Greece, Italy, Nepal, Turkey, and the United States just completed the ninth annual Genocide and Human Rights University Program (GHRUP), held in partnership by the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (IIGHRS) (A Division of the Zoryan Institute) and the University of Toronto.

"I have been involved with GHRUP since its first seminar nine years ago. What I can say about some 250 graduates of this program is that the students, their commitment, their diversity, yet the intense bonding that develops among them, have been extraordinary to behold," stated Prof. Roger W. Smith, Director of the Genocide and Human Rights University Program, held annually in Toronto.

"The outstanding students and faculty, the intellectual seriousness, and the free discussion that develops in the seminar are among the high points of my teaching career. The participants in the seminar report that they have learned much in the course, not only about factual, legal, and historical matters, but about themselves and others, leading to a change in attitudes, ranging from career goals to a greatly expanded sense of empathy."

Patil Halajian, the program's coordinator, reflecting on her experience in the program, remarked, "Not only did I get the opportunity to learn from some of the world's top genocide scholars, but I also got to be in the company of some of the most brilliant and inspirational students I have ever met."

Professor Herbert Hirsch, one of GHRUP faculty and an editor of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, teaches the unit on genocide prevention. He noted that "The integration of the study of human rights with genocide, its comparative and multidisciplinary approach, and its use of the Armenian Genocide as a point of reference, make this program unique; there is not another program like it anywhere."

The program combines fundamental theory with specific case studies and major themes, allowing students to not only learn about the intricacies of genocide studies, but also to begin recognizing patterns as preventable stages of genocide. The comparative nature of the program also encourages students to draw their own parallels between the various cases and fosters stimulating classroom discussion.

Many of these graduates go on to continue in the fields of genocide and human rights research and education, feeling motivated and empowered with the knowledge and the tools to work towards prevention. One graduate stated, "While I thought I came into this course with a high level of understanding, the readings and instruction and peer discussion has dramatically increased my understanding." Another, confided, "The study of human rights was a passion; the study of genocide was an interest; I now feel equipped to make both a passion with my work/life. It saddens me to know that the 2 weeks is over!"

Students currently registered at the University of Toronto and graduate students from any university in Ontario may receive credit with no additional cost in tuition. In addition, undergraduate students registered at other institutions across the province may make special arrangements for the same privilege. Special arrangements may also be made for students in other jurisdictions; please enquire.

If you are interested in participating in next year's program, or you know any potential candidates, please see details and registration information available on the program's website,www.genocidestudies.org or by emailing admin@genocidestudies.org.

The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A Division of the Zoryan Institute) is dedicated to scholarly research and dissemination of knowledge regarding the phenomenon of genocide in all of its aspects, to create an awareness of it as an ongoing scourge, and promote the necessity of preventing it.