In the 20th century alone, more than 20 million people died as a result of genocide. Still millions of others endured violence, oppression, and violations of their basic human rights, yet survived to tell their stories. Genocide and atrocity crimes show humanity at its worst. They lead us to question our very nature—what it means to be human. Despite their horrors, they must be documented and they must be studied. In doing so, we hope to understand them. We memorialize their victims. We help prevent their re-occurrences. We discover the striking ordinariness of the perpetrators, and ask what we would have done in similar circumstances. We see heroic actions that show that even in humanity’s darkest moments there is still cause for hope.
Considering current events, this curated collection offers students and researchers a range of excellent primary sources and coverage extensive enough to suit historical researchers and those seeking context for more recent news events. Highly recommended.
CHOICE Reviews
As compelling and challenging as it is comprehensive, Human Rights Studies Online is an immensely valuable, even unparalleled, resource not only for expanding awareness about mass atrocity crimes—genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity—and other human rights abuses but also for encouraging resistance against them. Its content can bring one to tears but inspire defiance as well.
John K. Roth, Edward J. Sexton Professor of Philosophy Emeritus Claremont McKenna College
Human Rights Studies Online is an impressive and invaluable collection that pulls together the documents, history and first person accounts of modern human rights atrocities.
Elizabeth Becker International Affairs Journalist
This is an invaluable resource for any institutions with programs in political science, peace studies, or just a firm commitment to educate students on social justice issues.
Kellian Clink, Reference Librarian Minnesota State University