Annual Lecture of the Human Rights Centre

75 years in the Rights to be Human?

In 2023 the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates a milestone anniversary. 1800 words for now 193 countries and territories that over 75 years have urged the sovereign state to respect dignity of and for all.  But what does it all add up to?  The state of the world today issues a tough report card.  But, then again, it was a Declaration not a magic wand. Yet, was it magical thinking, nonetheless?  This year’s annual human rights lecture poses a “re-idealist” stock take of the UDHR’s contested purpose, place, and contribution, and signposts implications for looming threats in the 75 years to come.

Speaker 

A former United Nations (UN) Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kate Gilmore is an Honorary Professor with the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex and a Professor-in-Practice with the International Development Department of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).  She is Chair of the Board of International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Vice Chair of the Interpeace Board and a co-chair of WHO’s Gender and Human Rights Advisory Panel on Human Reproduction and of their Immunization Agenda 2030 Partnership Panel.  Until recently a Fellow with Harvard University’s Carr Centre for Human Rights Policy, she was Assistant UN Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director for Programmes with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).  Kate was also Executive Deputy Secretary General of Amnesty International but started her career in Australia, working to combat violence against women and advance related public policy and services.

How to register

Please book your place via Eventbrite.

Due to popular demand, you can also join the event via zoom.