THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION AT 70: WHAT NEXT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS?

The University of Groningen’s Centre for Religion, Conflict and Globalisation (CRCG) and the Groningen Journal of International Law (GroJIL) are pleased to announce an interdisciplinary workshop on the theme: ‘The Universal Declaration at 70: What Next for Human Rights?’

What: Interdisciplinary workshop on human rights
When: Monday, November 26th, 2018
Where: Courtroom, Oude Boteringestraat 38, University of Groningen

TOPIC

In December 1948, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations.” Seventy years later, however, the Declaration’s lofty aspirations have proved difficult to meet. Governments around the world trumpet their commitment to rights-based norms, but fail to put them into practice. Charities are accused of violating the rights they seek to spread. Scholars question the cross-cultural applicability of these ostensibly “universal” standards. Yet rights remain a powerful tool, inspiring individuals and organisations throughout the world.

On the occasion of the Declaration’s 70th anniversary, the CRCG and GroJIL invite paper proposals from researchers investigating any aspect of human rights theory and/or practice for an interdisciplinary workshop on the theme ‘The Universal Declaration at 70: What Next for Human Rights?’ Paper topics may include (but are not limited to) the ongoing potential of human rights; reforming human rights; conflicts of rights; human rights and the refugee crisis”; human rights, gender, and sexuality. We welcome papers from disciplines including anthropology, economics, international relations, law, philosophy and religious studies.

The workshop will be followed by a public lecture by Professor Conor Gearty, Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

9.00-9.30 / Registration
9.30-9.45 / Opening speech
9.45-12.00 / Panel 1: Communities and Commonalities
12.00-12.45 / Lunch
12.45-14.15 / Panel 2: Transformations and Aspirations
14.15-14.30 / Break
14.30-16.00 / Panel 3: Borders and Boundaries
14.15-14.30 / Break
16.15-17.00 / Presentation by Louisa from Justice and Peace's Shelter City Groningen
17.00-17.30 / Break
17.30-18.45 / Keynote lecture by Prof. Conor Gearty, Professor of Human Rights Law at LSE Department of Law
18.45-19.15 / Reception

For more information about the workshop, please contact Dr Méadhbh McIvor at m.mcivor[at]rug.nl or the GroJIL Board at board[at]grojil.org.

Please register for free at [email protected] to confirm your attendance.