Navigating Change – Contemporary Perspectives on Human Rights

About

In today’s world, entirely new developments are emerging, which pose unprecedented threats to individuals, such as the accelerating effects of climate change, emerging public health threats despite medical improvement or the unwarranted use of artificial intelligence (AI). When the International Bill of Human Rights was drafted, these developments were unforeseen, and no specific treaties were adopted containing corresponding norms to address these human rights challenges. This becomes problematic because, in the worst case, our traditional understanding of human rights norms may no longer adequately address new realities, creating a conflict between evolving societal needs and the existing normative content. The increasing legislative inactivity of states in this regard places a greater burden on human rights courts leading to our main question: to what extent can human rights courts and treaty bodies respond to factual change by (re-)interpreting existing human rights norms to address new challenges?

To assess these challenges, we seek to apply an interdisciplinary approach. Specifically, we aim to draw on expertise from various disciplines to better understand the changes around us – the accelerating climate change, new public health threats and the unwarranted use of AI (step 1). Following the legal assessment (step 2), we will revisit the disciplinary expertise to explore potential solutions (step 3). In doing so, we intend to offer lectures, and modern formats such as coffee talks and interdisciplinary talks. Each lecture will feature interactive components. Additionally, the coffee talks on days two to four will feature two experts: one offering a legal perspective and the other providing specific insights into the respective disciplines. The interdisciplinary talk will include three experts with different backgrounds. After four days of lectures and discussions, we will hold an interactive conference, offering participants the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired. Additionally, a rich evening program will offer opportunities for relaxation, ensuring both intellectual and personal well-being throughout the week

Course leader

Prof. Dr. Dominik Steiger and Prof. Dr. Ajla Škrbić

Target group

All interested advanced students, doctoral candidates and post-docs in international law, political science, international relations, and related fields are welcome to participate, provided they are willing to thoroughly engage with the topics throughout the Summer School. Prior knowledge of human rights is an advantage but not required

Fee info