About Bearing Witness
Bearing Witness is a youth-led initiative dedicated to uncovering silenced histories of genocide, mass atrocities, and human rights violations. Through academic research, survivor voices, and accessible education, we seek to ensure these stories are remembered and acted upon.
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Our work blends scholarly insight with public awareness. Every month, we release in-depth research papers, concise academic essays, and accessible “for everyone” articles to spark reflection and engagement. We also share interviews, survivor testimonies, and resources to amplify voices too often erased.
My Story
I grew up as part of a marginalized community in a small, predominantly white town. From an early age, I became aware of how race and identity can shape the way people are treated when they are not part of the majority. Still, it wasn’t until I visited Srebrenica, Bosnia, that the full weight of what this means truly struck me.
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Walking among column after column of names, entire families erased in the name of “difference” and nationalism, I came to understand the devastating consequences of hatred and human rights violations. That experience showed me how fragile freedom and dignity can be, and how easily they can be stripped away.
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Living in Canada, it is easy to take rights like freedom of expression, access to resources, and safety for granted. I had always dreamed of pursuing human rights law, but Srebrenica made me realize I could not wait until after law school to act. Even in my undergraduate years, I could contribute by raising awareness and educating others.
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Before that trip, I knew very little about Bosnia’s painful history. That realization drove me to create Bearing Witness: a space where silenced histories are uncovered and remembered. My advisor on that trip told me something I carry with me every day; “the key to freedom always starts with awareness and education.” That is exactly what I strive to do through this work.
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~ Maleeha Aslam
How It Works
Each month, we publish:
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Research papers (long-form analysis on key human rights issues).
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Concise essays (shorter pieces highlighting specific cases or themes).
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Accessible articles (simple, easy-to-read breakdowns of each topic).
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Survivor-centered storytelling (interviews, reflections, and testimonies).
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Resources & events (tools for further learning and spaces for dialogue).
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Our goal is simple: Remember. Reflect. Act.
