[hr-education] Teaching about the Holocaust in Latin America

Dear Human Rights Educators and Advocates,

Only to tell you that I had the privilege and honor to be part of the
Chile delegation at the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust. I
believe that it is redundant to say how inspiring and transcendental this
event was for the progress of democracy and for the "never again" vision.

All of Europe was recognizing that not very much has been done to be sure
of "never again". Xenophobia and Nazi ideologies are back. Many, if not
all the leaders of Europe, Canada, the United States and Israel were
there. From Latin America only from Argentina, Brasil, Chile and Uruguay.
It is interesting to notice that during the panels no section with a
vision for Latin America was present.

It is important to remember that this continent lived during the 1970s and
1980s instances of human rights violations and institutionalized violence.
There exists much accumulated knowledge that can contribute to a deeper
understanding of the theme. Latin American social scientists have advanced
considerably in their analysis and comprehension of this theme. Given the
root of this situation, Latin Americans have developed methodologies and
materials that have a tendency to teach human rights and human dignity. I
myself have written several books and articles and now at press is a text
that I am editing regarding the state of the art in human rights education
in Latin America.

As an educator and researcher who has worked in the area of human rights
education for more than 15 years in Latin America, I think that it is
necessary, on the one hand, to undertake historical studies regarding
Nazism in Latin America. This study should take into account the period
around the World War II, and after it. We mustn't forget that many Latin
America countries accepted the Nazi war criminals. There is a movement now
to organize a Nazi Congress in Chile.

On the other hand, to create a Holocaust portion in educational curricula.
Many countries on this continent are undergoing an educational reform that
considers the themes of democracy, human rights, and civil conscience as
central elements in the new curriculum. As consultant to the Ministry of
Education, and a curriculum specialist, I believe that an initiative such
as this one would be very well received.

I would appreciate very much if you could contribute with me with ideas
and places where to apply for resources

Let us keep in contact,

Con carinos,

Abraham Magendzo K.
Santiago, Chile




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