Glasgow Human Rights Network

Mainstreaming Human RightsPresented by Visiting Professor Judy McGregor, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Organised jointly by NZ-UK Link Foundation, GHRN and SHRC

Thursday 10th November, 5.45pm

Senate Room, Main Building, University of Glasgow

The gap between the ambition and promise inherent in the international human rights treaties and the mainstreaming of human rights “on the ground” is a critical challenge of our times. Implementation gaps are at the core of the realisation of individual and collective rights in an unjust world with seemingly intractable inequalities. Human rights are vital to the good conduct of civil societies. So what is the role of the international human rights treaties body framework and its connection with domestic legislation in strengthening democracy and protecting economic and social rights? This presentation will use examples from New Zealand and elsewhere to discuss the strengths and weakness of treaty body reporting, the incorporation of treaties into domestic law, and the role of the courts in remedying human rights abuses. It will also examine the role of national human rights institutions and national action plans, and reflect on the ebbs and flows of civil society engagement and influence. It addresses the question of how best human rights can bring power to the powerless.

Chair: Dr Kurt Mills, University of Glasgow

Discussant: Judith Robertson, Chair, SHRC

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First published: 1 November 2016