Human Rights in 2066 | William Schabas | TEDxZurich

Summary

The speaker reflects on the recent political events, like Brexit and the US election, which have stirred up racism and xenophobia. Despite this, they remain optimistic, drawing on the significant progress in human rights over the past 50 years, such as the abolition of the death penalty and advancements in equality rights. They predict that in 50 years, economic and social equality, as well as freedom of movement, will be the new frontiers of human rights.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker initially felt optimistic about delivering a message of hope, but recent political events like Brexit and the US election have dampened that optimism.
• 🌧️ The current period is described as difficult for human rights, with the rise of racism and xenophobia affecting minorities worldwide.
• 🔄 Despite setbacks, the speaker maintains a long-term optimistic view, looking back 50 years to significant human rights advancements and projecting forward to future progress.
• 🏛️ Fifty years ago, major human rights treaties were adopted by the United Nations, establishing a robust system for human rights protection that continues to evolve.
• 🏅 The European Court of Human Rights recently made a landmark ruling against the United Nations Security Council for violating fundamental rights.
• 🚫 The abolition of capital punishment has seen a significant trend towards global abolition, with the number of countries using the death penalty dramatically declining.
• 🌈 Equality rights have come a long way since the 18th century, with significant progress in gender equality and the recognition of rights for sexual minorities.
• 👥 The number of women heads of government has increased dramatically over the past decades, reflecting a shift in gender equality.
• 🧩 The rights of the disabled have become more recognized, with international treaties and efforts to ensure their full participation in society.
• 💰 The speaker predicts that the next frontier in human rights will be addressing economic and social inequalities, which are also fueling populist movements.
• 🌐 The right to freedom of movement is highlighted as an area that needs attention, with the current refugee crisis in Europe exemplifying the struggle for this fundamental right.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial mood when they signed up for the talk?

The speaker was initially full of optimism and positivity when they signed up for the talk six months prior.

What major event caused the speaker to go into a period of depression?

The speaker went into a period of depression due to Brexit.

What was the speaker's hope regarding the recent US election?

The speaker was hopeful about the election of the first woman president of the United States.

What does the speaker believe has been fanned by recent events like Brexit and the US election?

The speaker believes that recent events have fanned the embers of racism and xenophobia.

What significant milestone in human rights occurred 50 years ago?

50 years ago, the major Human Rights treaties, known as the covenants, were adopted by the United Nations.

What was the European Court of Human Rights' stance on a recent case involving the United Nations Security Council?

The European Court of Human Rights ruled against the United Nations Security Council for violating fundamental rights of due process and equality before the law through its resolutions enforced in Switzerland.

How has the use of capital punishment changed over the last 50 years globally?

Over the last 50 years, the use of capital punishment has dramatically declined globally, with around 160 countries abolishing it and fewer than 40 still using it.

What was the situation regarding gender equality in terms of women heads of government 50 years ago?

50 years ago, there were only three women who were heads of government from 1960 to 1970.

How has the legal status of gay sexual activity changed since 1966?

In 1966, most countries, including many in Europe, criminalized gay sexual activity, but now such laws are largely considered a thing of the past in many regions.

What new area of rights does the speaker believe will be a focus in the next 50 years?

The speaker believes that the new frontier in human rights will be addressing equality in economic and social rights.

What does the speaker think is the solution to the refugee crisis and the desire for freedom of movement?

The speaker believes that building walls is not the solution; instead, humanity needs more bridges, not walls, to address the refugee crisis and the right to freedom of movement.