The Danish Foreign Policy Society and The Danish Institute for Human Rights hereby invite to a research and policy seminar on the current state of human rights diplomacy.

We are pleased to host a delegation from Chatham House, a renowned London-based foreign policy think tank. They have recently published an exceptional report titled “Human Rights Diplomacy: Navigating an Era of Polarization.” This timely report delves into the past, present, and future of human rights, drawing insights from a wide range of interviews with UN diplomats, human rights experts, UN staff, NGO representatives, and extensive research literature.

The report notes that the human rights system has long struggled to deliver accountability but that new leadership and ideas for human rights are emerging – particularly from countries in the Global South.

Notably, these positive developments occur amidst the growing polarization between the United States and China, and the latter’s attempts to exert influence on UN processes and redefine international human rights norms. The Chatham House report aims to equip diplomats and human rights practitioners with an in-depth understanding of current trends and challenges in human rights diplomacy, offering valuable recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of the multilateral system in safeguarding and promoting human rights. Its synthesis of information and thought-provoking recommendations make it an invaluable resource.

We believe the Chatham House report deserves presentation and debate among the Danish-based human rights and foreign policy community – hence the purpose of our public seminar.

The Programme:

16:00-16:05: Welcome by Mette Thygesen, International Director, The Danish Institute for Human Rights

16:05-16:30: Presentation by Rashmin Sagoo and David Griffiths, Chatham House

16:30-16:45: Comments by Charlotte Flindt-Pedersen, Director, The Danish Foreign Policy Society and Steven L. B. Jensen, Senior Researcher, The Danish Institute for Human Rights

16:45-17:30: Q&A and debate – moderated by Mette Thygesen, The Danish Institute for Human Rights

Registration