Conferences are an ideal place to network, share ideas, and learn. Human rights conferences provide opportunities for all kinds of discussions, presentations, and engagement with the most pressing issues. In 2020, there are a handful of conferences with various organizations. Here are six:
The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy
Where: Geneva, Switzerland
When: February 18th, 2020
This conference is held each year and gathers hundreds of human rights activists, journalists, student leaders and more. It’s sponsored by 25 human rights NGOs. In the past, people actively engaged in human rights have come from places like North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, China, and more to share their stories and experiences. Each year, the Geneva Summit presents two awards: the Women’s Rights Award and Courage Award. 2019’s conference, which took place in March, is available to watch online. The theme of the 2020 conference appears to be “A Voice for the Voiceless,” and registration is open now.
2020 Global Structural Injustice and Minority Rights Conference
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
When: March 13-15, 2020
Organized by the Department of Philosophy at Boston’s Northeastern University in cooperation with the UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the Globalizing Minority Rights Project, this conference explores the structural injustice framework. This framework has been used in discussions around domestic political questions, but does it also apply to global political and social challenges? Minority rights will be of special interest, with a focus on refugees, climate refugees, the LGBTQ+ community, and indigenous communities. Keynote speakers will be Avagail Eisenberg from the University of Victoria; Stephen Gardiner from the University of Washington; and Catherine Lu from McGill University. The conference will be held at the Northeastern University campus.
ICRLHL 2020: Right to Life and Humanitarian Law
Where: Miami, Florida
When: March 12-13, 2020
The International Research Conference is an organisation committed to holding “diverse scholarly events for presentation.” Academics, researchers, and others are encouraged to come together and share ideas and their work on human rights and human security. Through a calendar year, IRC holds a series of human rights conferences in different locations. The Miami conference is also intended to serve as an interdisciplinary platform for educators, researchers, and activists to discuss trends, concerns, innovations, and challenges.
The ICRLHL called writers and researchers for submissions such as research abstracts, e-posters, or papers. All conference papers are blind peer-reviewed by three reviewers. A handful of “high-impact” full text papers will be considered for the Special Journal issue. The deadline for abstracts/full-text is passed (it was August 29th), but anyone can register to attend the conference. Early bird registration deadline is May 25th, 2020.
FCP 2020 Human Rights Conference
Where: Winnipeg, Manitoba
When: May 27-29th, 2020
This coming year, FCP (Fierte Canada Pride) is hosting a human rights conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is part of the 2020 Canada Pride, which is organized by FCP to connect Canadian Pride organizations and offer support and resources. At the human rights conference, attendees have access to workshops and activities designed to provide information on global human rights. Registration costs $250 Canadian dollars. If you are interested in the FCP National Conference, it is being held February 6-8th in Regina, Saskatchewan. There, pride organizations from around Canada will gather and participate in workshops and conversation.
ICHRHS 2020 (International Conference on Human Rights and Human Security)
Where: Paris, France
When: June 25-26th, 2020
This conference is one of the human rights conferences organized by the International Research Conference organization. This Paris one is focused on human rights and human security. Like the ICRLHL, researchers and scholars were encouraged to contribute to the conference’s theme and discussions by submitting their work. Abstracts, papers, and e-posters were all allowed. The deadline has since passed, and all the chosen presentations will take place on June 25-26, 2020. Program details will be released shortly.
The 11th ISHHR Conference
Where: Medellin, Colombia
When: TBD
The ISSHR Secretariat and Council recently announced their 11th conference will occur in 2020 in Medellin, Colombia. At the time of this article, the site said the theme, exact date, and registration details will be released soon. The International Conference for Health and Human Rights is held every 3-4 years. It is considered one of the most important human rights conferences for organizations dedicated to the treatment and rehab of people who’ve endured human rights abuses. At the conference, reps from organizations and service providers from all over the world gather together to share knowledge, experiences, research, and more involving the health needs of people who’ve suffered human rights abuses.
Past conference locations include India, Peru, Costa Rica, and France. Scholarships for the conferences are available for individuals or students with financial difficulties. To be considered for a scholarship, you must demonstrate dedication to human rights or social justice, and have experience in the field.
