By Fatima Zahra Koraiban
Editor, Yonsei GSIS Newsletter

On April 5th, 2024, Yonsei University’s GSIS’s Human Rights Hub hosted a special lecture titled "Genocide in the Service of Ideology" with the Polish Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Piotr Ostaszewski.

Throughout his lecture, Ambassador Ostaszewski provided a nuanced examination of genocide, emphasizing its historical and modern manifestations and the influence of international law. He discussed how ideologies have been used to justify mass violence throughout history, from the French Revolution to the Khmer Rouge regime. One key aspect highlighted during the lecture was the challenge of political will in addressing human rights violations. Ambassador Ostaszewski stressed the importance of advocacy and education in promoting human rights and preventing future atrocities.

Before serving as Ambassador to South Korea since 2017, Mr Piotr Ostaszewski held various diplomatic roles worldwide. Additionally, his tenure as a professor at the Warsaw School of Economics, focusing on history, politics, international relations, and diplomacy, underscored his deep expertise in the subject matter.

A recording of the event is available on The Human Rights Hub's YouTube channel. We encourage you to watch the full lecture to gain better insights into the complex issues discussed and deepen your understanding of the topic. Additionally, don’t forget to visit the HRH’s website to read more about this lecture and others, and keep an eye out for any future HRH events. Follow them on social media platforms for more information and updates. 

Yonsei GSIS - Human Rights Hub’s website: https://www.yonseihumanrightshub.com/home 

Link of the Lecture + Video : https://www.yonseihumanrightshub.com/blog 

Yonsei GSIS - Human Rights Hub’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yonsei-gsis-human-rights-hub/