For the past 50 years, Latin America has been gripped by a cycle of dictatorships, authoritarian governments masquerading as democracies, and armed conflicts. These have facilitated the commission of atrocity crimes. In most cases, perpetrators have evaded accountability. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of victims, civil society organizations, and the international community, a measure of justice has been achieved through various truth-seeking processes and accountability mechanisms. This course will delve into the human rights crises in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico, exploring how they led to the commission of atrocity crimes - large-scale and systematic human rights abuses, genocide, and war crimes. We will examine the political, legal, and social strategies employed by human rights organizations and victims' movements to break the cycle of impunity. We will also explore the crucial role of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, highlighting the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in transforming policies and practices for the improvement of human rights on the ground. Note: this course is taught by José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, an Autumn 2025 visiting professor.
M: 3:00 - 5:50 p.m.