NIAS podcast Room to explore.... Crimes against humanity

In this episode Yuliya Krylova-Grek explains how discursive violence can precede physical violence. In the case of Ukraine, she discusses narratives that deny Ukrainian sovereignty, culture, history and language, as well as the use of propaganda in occupied territories. She also describes how language and education can be used to influence how people understand their national identity.

In her work with human rights organisations and prosecutors, Krylova-Grek uses forensic linguistics to analyse statements and texts and to help identify forms of hate speech, incitement and manipulation. She is developing a framework for the concept of ‘crimes against identity’, examining how discursive practices can attack national identity through assimilationist and discriminatory rhetoric. Her research explores the relationship between crimes against identity, cultural genocide, and existing international legal frameworks, with the aim of developing criteria for identifying such crimes and addressing gaps in current legislation.

Krylova-Grek also reflects on the power of language more broadly. Words shape how people perceive information and can influence their worldview. Through her research, she hopes to draw attention to crimes against national identity and contribute to better protection of people and their identities.

Yuliya Krylova-Grek is a Safe Haven Fellow at NIAS and an Associate Professor of Social Science at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

We are preparing the transcript to provide a text alternative.

Room to explore is researched and interviewed by Annick van Rinsum. Find Annick on LinkedIn.

Listen to all episodes of Room to explore on Spotify