Memory Laws are intended to honor victims, to protect citizens, and to hold perpetrators accountable. In theory, memory laws would accomplish all of these goals without consequence. In reality, memory laws can prohibit free speech, promote false state-sponsored narratives, and unnecessarily limit democratic participation. In this podcast, we will examine how memory laws are lived out and experienced in Germany and how memory laws could be implemented in the United States. With the help of a guest speaker, we will delve into key questions such as: Do memory laws genuinely improve the health of a society? Do memory laws protect democracy and pluralism? Join us in discussing whether memory laws are an essential human rights tool, and if they fall short of true human rights goals.

To download a full transcript, visit humanrightspodcast.sandbox.library.columbia.edu.