UOD – August 19, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) | In a landmark strategic meeting held on August 12, the University of Duhok convened leading academics and experts to redefine the vision and expand the capabilities of its Center for Genocide Studies. Chaired by President Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, the consultative session highlighted the center’s pivotal role in documenting, analyzing, and educating about mass atrocities—particularly those affecting the Kurdish nation.

Vision and Leadership

Dr. Atrushi underlined the university’s institutional commitment to genocide studies, affirming that interdisciplinary expertise is essential for sustained academic excellence:

“Because genocide is a multidisciplinary science and intersects with many other fields, it is crucial that we continuously seek the opinions of experts to provide a high level of academic service.”
He also reiterated UOD’s trailblazing contribution to this research area at both regional and national levels.

Center Milestones

Dr. Salem Jasim Haji, genocide studies specialist and former director of the Center, reviewed two major accomplishments:

• Organized five international conferences, published close to 200 research papers, and co-authored three books with European universities.
  
  
• Produced a 24-episode television series and conducted advisory workshops, including two initiatives with the Kurdistan Parliament.
  
  

These efforts have firmly positioned the Center for Genocide Studies as a hub for multidisciplinary genocide research, media engagement, and policy advocacy.

Strategic Priorities Forward

Participants collaboratively developed strategic initiatives focusing on:

• Strengthening academic research quality through rigorous methodologies and partnerships.
  
  
• Enhancing international cooperation with genocide research centers, universities, and NGOs globally.
  
  
• Improving documentation and archiving infrastructure, including survivor interviews and multimedia content.
  
  
• Expanding the Center’s consultative influence, offering guidance to government bodies and organizations.
  
  

Legacy and Mission

Founded in 2018, the Center for Genocide Studies conducts comprehensive studies into genocides worldwide, with special emphasis on atrocities against Kurds—namely the Anfal campaign and the Sinjar genocide. Its multifaceted mission includes:

• Collecting, preserving, and archiving genocide-related documents.
  
  
• Conducting survivor interviews and media productions.
  
  
• Contextualizing Kurdish genocides alongside global tragedies such as the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide.
  
  
• Hosting annual scholarly conferences to nurture academic discourse on genocide studies.
  
  

The renewed roadmap reflects UOD’s commitment to fostering academic leadership, public memory, and transitional justice through resilient, research-driven initiatives.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, August 19, 2025
Reported by: Ismat Mahmoud Mohammed
Photography by: Mohammed. A. Tahar

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