The Future of Human Rights

This year, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights marks its 75th anniversary. The milestone arrives amidst a new wave of violent conflicts and political unrest, intensified impacts of climate change, a rise in the use of artificial intelligence, a recent pandemic, and the most notable reversal in human development in 30 years. These challenges have put human rights under unprecedented pressure since their adoption 75 years ago.

Following International Human Rights Day on 10 December, join us for ‘The Future of Human Rights‘ opening event to the Human Rights Week in UN City.

The event will feature speeches and discussions with decision-makers, experts, and activists on the determining power of human rights for the well-being and safety of people and the planet.

It will also unveil a photo exhibition showcasing human rights milestones from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 to the present day.

The event is co-organised by UN City, UNDP, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

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Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.

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Register to save your spot here

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PROGRAMME

15:00 Welcome by Henrik Fredborg Larsen (Director, UNDP Nordic Office)

15:05 Opening Remarks by Vibeke Pasternak Jørgensen (Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark)

15:10 Keynote by Prof. David Kaye (former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion)

15:30 Discussions: How Will Human Rights Determine Our Future?

• Human Rights and Climate – Role of the Courts by Sune Fugleholm (Lawyer, Poul Schmith)
• The Rights of Man or Mankind? by Mary Consolata Namagame (Activist, Founder of She for She)
• Safeguarding our Social Contract by Rights by Manilla Ghafuri (Chairperson of Rapolitics, Winner of the Human Rights Award 2022)

15:45 Reflections by MP Christian Friis Bach and MP Sascha Faxe

16:00 Panel Debate and Q&A with MPs and Presenters

16:25 Closing Remarks by Louise Holck (Director, Danish Institute of Human Rights)

Moderator: Jakob Sheikh

16:30–17:30 Reception and Launch of Photo Exhibition ‘Turning Points: 75 Years of Human Rights – Capturing Memories and Milestones‘