One way to destroy a country and its people is through the destruction of arts, artists and important cultural sites.

If people lose their connection with their culture, it’s easier to assimilate them. A new four-lecture series on human rights begins this Thursday with “Defending the Right to Culture.”

UC Davis Law Professor Karima Bennoune will address attacks throughout the world on artists, writers and important cultural heritage sites and what measures could be taken to better protect them.

We’ll talk with Bennoune about this and her work as a United Nations special rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.

We’ll also speak with the head of UC Davis’ Human Right Studies program Keith Watenpaugh about the goals of the lecture series and the what other topics will be discussed.

The lecture series begins Jan. 19.