Published on 10-11-2024, Last modified on 10-11-2024
Human Rights Week 2024 ‘Frontlines of Human Rights’
From 9 to 13 December 2024, the Human Rights Research Network (HRRN) at Ghent University invites you to participate in Human Rights Week, a series of events marking the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December.
This year’s theme, “Frontlines of Human Rights,” highlights the diverse and often dangerous spaces where human rights defenders—ranging from journalists and artists to activists, researchers, and local community actors—stand at the forefront of struggles. These “frontlines” are not just physical battlefields but also metaphorical spaces where human rights are contested, uncovered, defended, and fought for.
Our programme is as diverse as the issues it addresses, with guest lectures, public debates, capacity-building workshops, and artistic exhibitions.
Explore our full programme below and register for the events that inspire you. We look forward to seeing you during Human Rights Week!
THE ORGANIZING TEAM
Prof. Dr. Eva Brems, Dr. Giselle Corradi, Prof. Dr. Ellen Desmet, Prof. Dr. Tine Destrooper, Dr. Brigitte Herremans, LL.M Hanna Kozachenko, Prof. Dr. Eva Lievens, Dr. Gustavo Prieto, PhD student Lien Stolle, Prof. Dr. Sarah Van Leuven, PhD student Sarah Van Meel, and Prof. Frederik Peeraer.
In collaboration with the library of the Faculty of Law and Criminology, the City of Ghent, Library De Krook, Avansa and the platform Eye on Palestine.
DOWNLOAD the PDF versions of the programme here
Monday 9 December
13h30 – 15h30, Multimedialokaal, Campus Aula
Publieke voorstelling van de Mensenrechtenraad van de Stad Gent in het kader van het vak ‘Capita Selecta uit het internationale recht van de mensenrechten’ gedoceerd door prof. Eva Brems
In het vak Capita Selecta uit het internationale recht van de mensenrechten introduceert prof. Brems onder andere de voornaamste mensenrechtenactoren in België. Op maandag 9 december zal de les focussen op lokale besturen als mensenrechtenactoren.
Naar aanleiding van de Mensenrechtenweek zal de Mensenrechtenraad van de Stad Gent zich publiekelijk voorstellen tijdens de les. De leden zullen de algemene werking van de Mensenrechtenraad toelichten en enkele concrete dossiers bespreken waarmee de Raad te maken krijgt.
(NL)
Gratis inschrijven via deze link
17h30 – 19h00, Auditorium E, Campus Aula
Open Lecture within the advanced course on Human Rights “Human Rights Litigation in Asia: Insights from the Case of G. Kwai-Lam Ho”
Asia, unlike Africa, the Americas, and Europe, stands out as a region without a dedicated international human rights court or commission to enforce compliance with human rights standards. While some subregional systems are emerging, the absence of a comprehensive regional framework means that human rights issues must be pursued and contested within the confines of complex national legal systems. This presentation will explore one such challenging landscape through the case of Gwyneth Kwai-Lam Ho, a Hong Kong activist and former journalist who was convicted of subversion in May 2024 following the implementation of Hong Kong’s National Security Law.
Ho’s case provides insight into the strategic choices and constraints faced by lawyers, activists, and judges in Asia, and illustrates both the opportunities and limitations for advancing and upholding human rights standards in the region.
Introduction: Gustavo Prieto, Advanced HR Course LLM Lecturer.
Invited Lecturer: Sarah Van Meel, PhD researcher in the Law & Technology research group, Faculty of Law and Criminology, Ghent University.
(EN)
Registration is free via this link
This event is aimed at UGent students and researchers. Limited spots are available, distributed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Tuesday 10 December
19h00 – 21h00, Bibliotheek De Krook, Zaal Blauwe Vogel
Public Debate ‘Human Rights @ De Krook’: Israel’s War on Gaza: the Ongoing Erasure of Palestine – in collaboration with the platform Eye of Palestine, library De Krook and Avansa
Israel’s war on Gaza is the pinnacle of the marginalisation of international law in the Israeli-Palestinian context. Israel’s egregious conduct and inhumane acts, along with the large-scale destruction of infrastructure, threatens the existence of Palestinians in Gaza. There is credible evidence to suggest that the threshold for determining the crime of genocide against Palestinians as a group in Gaza has been reached. Moreover, the International Court of Justice has determined Israel’s occupation unlawful, requiring it to bring to an end “as rapidly as possible”.
On the occasion of the Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Research Network of Ghent University organises an open evening on the war on Gaza. Journalist Nicky Aerts will facilitate discussions on the war’s impact on individuals, the escalation of Israel’s violations of international law, and its far-reaching global consequences.
Jamal Yaghi, a development and business manager, medic and community activist from Gaza, who lives in Belgium since March 2024, will give a testimony about how the war has turned his life upside down. His sister and three of her children were killed in the beginning of the war.
Ramzi Salem, a poet from Gaza who resides in Belgium since 2016, will read one of his poems in which he conveys the impact of the war on his life. He lives in constant fear for his parents and siblings, who remain trapped in Gaza, while the conflict has already claimed the lives of 270 members of his extended family.
These personal and artistic reflections on the war will be followed by a panel discussion in which Maha Abdallah (teaching assistant and PhD researcher at the University of Antwerp), Willem Staes (head Middle East program at 11.11.11) and Brigitte Herremans (postdoctoral research fellow at Ghent University) unpack the legal framework, the situation in Gaza, the responsibility of the EU and ramifications for the wider region.
(EN)
Free registration via this link
Wednesday 11 December
10h00 – 13h00, Ghent University Museum, Forum
6th International Press Freedom Seminar: Journalists in exile
The 6th International Press Freedom seminar focuses on the legal, professional and personal challenges which journalists in exile experience., Speakers include: Teresa Ribeiro (former OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media), Louisa Esther (UCC Ireland, journalist), Lailuma Sadid (En-GAJE: ensemble groupe d’aide aux journalistes exilés asbl), Joyce Man (Amnesty International), Julie Majerczak (Reporters without Borders), Luka Ablotia (journalist in exile), Danae Vilchez (journalist in exile).
(EN)
Free but mandatory registration via this link
Important: This event is aimed at UGent students and researchers. Limited spots are available, distributed on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
14h00 – 15h00, Faculty Board Room, Campus Aula
Public lunch lecture on hot human rights topics ‘Rights Bites’ about university policies on intimidation and human rights, with guest speaker Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaege (VUB), moderated by HRRN member Lien Stolle
A survey conducted by VUB professor and sociologist Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe reveals that about 45 percent of academic staff at the five Flemish universities have been intimidated or harassed at least once during their scientific career. This includes trolling, attack on the academic credibility, threats of violence, and other hostile actions both from inside and outside their institutions. The survey raises pressing questions about the impact of such intimidation and, more importantly, what steps can be taken to address it.
The effects of intimidation are well-documented, often creating a “chilling effect”—a phenomenon that has been extensively studied regarding public watchdogs, particularly in relation to journalists. Similarly, such tactics may hinder researchers, affecting their work and impacting academic freedom and human rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to information. In this Rights Bites session, we invited Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe to present his findings, sparking a broader discussion on intimidation within academia and the links with human rights. The discussion will be led by Lien Stolle, PhD Researcher at Ghent University, who focusses her research on the use of digital intimidation against environmental defenders.
Link to the report: https://researchportal.vub.be/en/publications/the-academic-intimidation-and-harassment-of-scientists-at-flemish
(EN)
Free registration via this link
19h00 – 21h00, Koepelzaal of the Library of Law and Criminology
Vernissage of the exhibition “90 Days of You. Gwyneth Ho” by curator saar_voirvivre
Explore an exclusive insight into artist saar_voirvivre’s compelling exhibition, a tribute to friendship, resilience, and freedom, through 90 poignant artworks dedicated to her friend Gwyneth Ho—a Hong Kong social activist and former reporter convicted of subversion in May 2024 after over 1,000 days of detention.
At 7:00 pm, curator saar_voirvivre will share her journey creating this moving collection, inspired by her bond with Gwyneth during their time as roommates and classmates at the University of Amsterdam in 2018. This series, depicted as a long, illustrated letter, narrates their friendship and the struggle for Hong Kong’s democracy, framed by the deep blue—a symbol of resilience, integrity, and hope.
A reception will follow, allowing you to experience the artwork at your own pace and connect with the profound story it tells.
Guest speaker: Joyce Man
(EN)
Free registration via this link
Thursday 12 December
12h30 – 14h30, ‘Harry Potter Room’, Campus Aula.
Bespreking van het boek ‘Een klein detail’ van Adania Shibli door Brigitte Herremans an Lien Stolle
In de novelle Een klein detail van de Palestijnse schrijfster Adania Shibli staat de verkrachting en moord op een Palestijns meisje door Israëlische soldaten in 1949 centraal. Deze gebeurtenis vormt de aanleiding voor een narratief over historisch en aanhoudend onrecht. De novelle raakt de kern van de Palestijnse ervaring van ontheemding, de bezetting en de moeilijkheid om onrecht te herinneren tegen de achtergrond van Israëls voortdurende pogingen om zijn misdrijven uit te wissen.
In het kader van het project ‘Literatuur en Mensenrechten’ van het HRRN werken Lien Stolle en Brigitte Herremans aan een inspirerend dossier over ‘Een klein detail’. Dit dossier richt zich op de mensenrechtenthema’s in het boek en hoe deze literair zijn verwerkt, met als doel leesgroepbegeleiders en lezers te ondersteunen bij het verkennen van deze diepgaande onderwerpen. Tijdens een interactieve sessie nodigen Lien en Brigitte de deelnemers uit om samen de novelle te bespreken en inzichten te delen. Deze waardevolle input zal worden verwerkt in het definitieve dossier. Heb je het boek gelezen of ben je nieuwsgierig naar de thema’s die het behandelt? Dan ben je van harte welkom om deel te nemen aan dit boeiende gesprek!
Als deelnemer ontvang je op 6 december een conceptversie van het dossier, zodat je alvast een voorproefje krijgt van de rijke inhoud. Mis deze kans niet om samen in dialoog te gaan over literatuur en mensenrechten!
(NL)
Gratis inschrijven via deze link
19h00 – 21h00, Online
Film screening “I SHALL NOT HATE”
We are honored to welcome Prof. Izzeldin Abuelaish to Ghent University for a special screening of the documentary I Shall Not Hate. This event is organized as part of the ‘Studium Generale’ course led by Prof. Piet Hoebeke at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Following the screening, Prof. Abuelaish will engage in an inspiring conversation with the students, offering his insights and reflections.
Trailer: https://mubi.com/en/films/i-shall-not-hate/trailer
Watch the screening online here: https://ugent.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=7d128311-57d9-4667-b855-b23d00982602
From Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp to the University of Toronto and the Supreme Court of Israel, I Shall Not Hate follows the uncharted path of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, The first Palestinian doctor who worked in an Israeli hospital delivering babies, whose ethos of forgiveness and reconciliation is put to the ultimate test when an Israeli tank bombs his house, killing his three daughters. Against all odds, he turns his tragedy into a global campaign to eradicate hate, delivering his message in English, Arabic and Hebrew. He is quoted by former US president Barack Obama and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. But Dr. Abuelaish remains haunted by grief, and convinced that to honour his daughters, he must hold the Israeli government accountable for the unprovoked attack that decimated his family. Following the Hamas attack on October 7th and the war on Gaza ever since the doctor’s journey becomes even more fateful to the possibility of imagining a future for Palestinians and Israelis. ‘I Shall Not Hate’ is a letter of tolerance from a deeply inspiring man with a message as urgent as ever.
(EN)
No registration is required.
Friday 13 December
09h30 – 12h00, ‘Harry Potter Room’, Campus Aula.
HRRN Members Day: Networking and capacity-building event for HRRN members and Ghent University researchers interested in human rights
We are excited to invite you to HRRN Members’ Day – an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, enhance your skills in human rights science communication, and gain inspiration for engaging with the HRRN’s activities.
This edition will focus on strengthening our approaches to science communication in the context of human rights. Led by David De Wolf from the Central Communications Department, and Giselle Corradi, HRRN Coordinator, the session will build on insights shared during the previous edition of ‘Members’ Day’ and explore strategies for communicating human rights research to a broader audience.
The event will kick off with a networking breakfast, followed by a 90-minute interactive workshop. This will be an opportunity to learn and apply practical techniques for communicating about your human rights research more effectively. We will conclude with a presentation on the Human Rights Research Network, outlining how members can engage, connect with each other, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to societal impact. We look forward to seeing you there!
(EN)
Free registration via this link
Important: This event is aimed at UGent researchers.
Monday 9 to Friday 20 December
Koepelzaal, Library of the Faculty of Law and Criminology
Artistic exhibition “90 Days of You. Gwyneth Ho” by curator saar_voirvivre