Zoryan’s Genocide and Human Rights University Program Welcomes MacDonald to Faculty

The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A Division of the Zoryan Institute), or IIGHRS, recently announced that the Genocide and Human Right University Program (GHRUP), now in its twelfth year, will take place in Toronto on Aug. 5-16. This year the institute welcomes a new faculty member, Prof. David MacDonald, who will teach the unit on “The Genocide of Indigenous Peoples,” referring primarily to the native peoples of North and South America.

George Shirinian, the executive director of the institute, noted, “The field of genocide and human rights studies is vast, and it is not possible to cover every case of genocide in the time available. Therefore, we do rotate some of the subjects, and I am pleased that we will be examining the experience of the Native Peoples in this regard. Many people feel that it is a current and ongoing case of genocide.”

MacDonald has outlined the subject in the following way: “Indigenous peoples, also known as ‘Aboriginal Peoples,’ ‘First Nations,’ ‘Native Peoples,’ and collectively as the ‘Fourth World,’ have faced cultural destruction, forced removal from ancestral lands, deliberate killing, theft of children, and genocide, for centuries. This unit examines the genocidal experiences of selected indigenous peoples of both North and South America, with particular reference to the impact and ongoing legacies of settler colonialism. In addition to case studies, definitions of genocide and the usefulness of the UN Genocide Convention to indigenous peoples will also be discussed.”

David B. MacDonald is associate professor of political science and chair of his department’s graduate program at the University of Guelph, Ontario. He has a Ph.D. in international relations from the London School of Economics, and has held faculty positions (as a tenured senior lecturer) at the University of Otago, New Zealand (2002-07) and at the ESCP Graduate School of Management Paris (1999-2002). He is the author of three books on genocide. He is also involved with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and has contributed work on the question of genocide in the Indian Residential School system.

Now counting over 300 graduates from at least 20 different countries, the GHRUP strives to achieve multiple goals: to encourage the development of a new generation of young scholars to take up the study of genocide professionally at an advanced level; to illuminate the causes of genocide, the way it takes place, and its devastating impact; to bring a measure of healing and relief to various communities through the sharing of great trauma of many peoples; to study and teach in an interdisciplinary manner; to employ a comparative perspective in examining cases of genocide, such as the Jewish Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Darfur, with the Armenian Genocide as a point of reference as the prototype of modern genocide; and to use this comparative approach to identify the characteristics of genocide so that it becomes predictable and in turn hopefully preventable.

Classes run for 6.5 hours per day, resulting in a total of 65 hours of seminar-style instruction during the course. Applicants must be current university students with three years or more of undergraduate experience. Limited scholarships are available for qualified students. The deadline for application is May 31, 2013. International students are strongly urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid any complications with obtaining a visa. In addition to the academic portion of the program, social activities are planned for after class, evenings, and weekends, allowing students to establish lasting connections and relationships with like-minded individuals.

The syllabus, registration information, faculty biographies, and more are available on www.genocidestudies.org. For more information, contact IIGHRS by calling (416) 250- 9807 or e-mailing admin@genocidestudies.org.

1 Comment

  1. Through this letter I express personal my solidarity, solidarity of my Organization ‘Live Values Foundation’ and my fellow Indian Citizen with Armenians.
    Kindly let Armenians know our feelings about ‘GENOCIDE OF ARMENIA’
    We believe all those who deny the truth, support the lies. It is not only the aggressor but also ‘The Indifferentists’ who let it happen are responsible. Genocide is the reflection of ugliest and filthiest Sadistic mindset and the denial its extension.
    Now 99 years after, the massacre began and assumingly ended with the presumed turning point of history, we cannot undo it, but by condemning, making people aware of it, we may be able to prevent the future massacres. The One and a Half million Noble Souls are Victims of ‘GENOCIDE AGAINST HUMANITY’. The Armenians who were starved, tortured, and Slaughtered by barbarians in fact saved others, by lasting out energy and blows of aggressor.
    Whole Human Race including Citizens, Government of Bharat (India) must loudly, clearly and unequivocally acknowledge it and declare a Sadist, Racist Jihadist and Premeditated MASSACRE OF ARMENIANS as ‘GENOCIDE AGAINST HUMANITY’
    We started it with planting ‘Remembrance Tree’, observing ‘Two Minutes Silence’ and prayer on 24th April 2014, at
    1. Gurdaspur/Amritsar Punjab, India.
    2. Gurudwara(Sikh Temple) in Kothara, Naliya, District Kutch, Gujarat, India by President Gorprit Singh, other members of Kutch Unit of Gujarat Chapter of LIVE VALUES FOUNDATION and Hindus/Sikhs of the area.
    From 25th April 2014 to 24th April 2015 we intend to plant 100 trees and hold 100 prayer meetings.
    Hence, a Peepal tree was planted by, executives of National Committee, New Delhi unit, Delhi unit and of Haryana Chapter at Rajiv Gandhi Samriti Van(Memory Forest)near Veer Hakikat Rai Bus Terminal, Sarai Kale khan, Ring Road, New Delhi Leading Lawyers from Supreme Court of India, retired Bureaucrats, and priests. Discontented Pakistani intellectuals and I attended the function. . Hindu (Sanatan Dharam), Sikh and Christian prayers were held.
    Apart from plantation and prayers, we shall carry on information dissemination programs by touring and delivering speeches in schools, colleges and universities. Holding Seminars with Supreme Court, High Courts and others Courts to make them aware.
    Raising this issue, before sitting and former Parliamentarians, State Legislators and large and small Political parties to get it declared as Genocide against Humanity.
    Present this issue before Parliament and President of India, file petitions for it.
    Regards,
    Sardar,
    RAVI RANJAN SINGH
    President LIVE VALUES FOUNDATION

    Cell: 78388 80446 e-mail: in7838880446@gmail.com

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