Human Rights Festival 2024

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Venue: See details below, Penrhyn Road campus, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE
Price: free

While the Covid emergency might be over, the world appears to be going through a series of crises from climate emergency to wars in Ukraine and Gaza, to the rise of right-wing populism and anti-refugee sentiment across the world, all of which threaten people's life and wellbeing. Faced with this situation, ‘Is there anything we can do?' is a natural question to be raised. However, when faced with what are seemingly huge and intractable problems, what can we, ordinary citizens, do to make difference?

With this question in mind, the Human Rights Festival 2024 is focused on how to get involved in human rights. Students from the Departments of Criminology, Politics and Sociology as well as Law have joined forces with staff members and human rights practitioners to present a week-long programme to provide opportunities to explore various ways of promoting human rights.

We will ponder what human rights are in reference to non-human animal rights; we will hear from those who are involved in human rights about their work and how to get involved; we will investigate how media influences our understanding of human rights.

All sessions are designed to be interactive in order to facilitate dialogue.

Monday 19 February, 13:00-14:00, JG1003

Human and Non-Human Animal Rights - BOOK HERE

This event will explore the philosophy behind Human Rights from the anti-speciesist approach. It aims to explore connections between human-animals rights and non-human animal rights. By taking into consideration historical perspective of universalism of rights it will ask question whether non-human animals morally deserve rights. 'The session will be followed by Q&A.

Facilitator: Angelika Karczewska

Wednesday 21 February, 13:00-15:00, JG1005

Event 1: A Journey into Human Rights Advocacy - BOOK HERE
It's been 75 years since the international declaration of human rights. Well, guess what? The chat about it is still making waves. Dive into our vibrant human rights festival, unlocking the gateway to involvement and impactful contributions. Immerse yourself in an inspiring session, unveiling the crucial steps to becoming a human rights advocate. We'll chat about real-life cases, and maybe, just maybe, you'll catch that spark to make a positive change in the world. Come and join us.

Presenters:
Dr Hannah Miller (Justice and Care)
Michael Eze (MSc in International Relations)
Jade Athwal (International Law LLB)

Event 2: In conversation with Juliet Colman (ONLINE) - BOOK HERE
Juliet Colman, an alumna of Kingston University (MA Managing Human Resources), is the founder of SecurityWomen, an advocacy organisation for the inclusion of more women in security sector institutions. In conversation with Kingston University students, she discusses working for human rights.

Friday 23 February, 14:30-16:00, JG1004

Media Influence Unveiled: Shaping Society's Norms and Public Perception on Human Rights - BOOK HERE
Join us for an insightful presentation that delves into the intricate web of media power and its profound impact on shaping societal norms and influencing public perception regarding human rights. Explore how media channels wield their influence to mould opinions, challenge narratives, and, at times, perpetuate stereotypes. Gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with media influence and the potential for positive change in promoting a more just and equitable society. In this thought-provoking session, we'll unravel the dynamics between media and human rights, sparking conversations on the crucial role media plays in shaping our collective consciousness.

Contributors:
Helena Fairfield (International Law LLB)
Sabrina Garland (International Law LLB)
Natasha Montenegro (International Law LLB)
Liad Silberston (Business Erasmus Exchange)

For further information about this event:

Contact: Dr Atsuko Ichijo
Email: A.Ichijo@kingston.ac.uk