It must not be forgotten. Genocide does not arise out of nothing, nor does it occur spontaneously. Rather the path to genocide is marked by increasing levels of violence and early warning indicators. The roots of genocide must be studied. With this knowledge, we can work collaboratively to develop models and policies towards early warning, prevention, peaceful conflict resolution, reconciliation, and reconstruction.
Human rights is the name given to humankind's most universal and fundamental needs and aspirations.
Their codification in international law represents this generation's attempt to secure conditions which guarantee security, liberty and dignity. Genocide is the most extreme threat to fulfillment of these needs and aspirations and the Holocaust perhaps the most horrible example of their systematic deprivation. The Webster University Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights takes as its mission the education of our students, our faculty, our community and ourselves. It will sponsor research and curriculum development and will serve as a conduit for student action and involvement. The Center will work collaboratively with other institutions having compatible missions.