Utrecht University Research Focus Area Cultures, Citizenship and Human Rights
Understanding Complementary Institutions in Human Rights Implementation
Utrecht, 17 November 2014
Generously supported by
The Netherlands School of Human Rights Research,
The Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM) and the
Research Focus Area Cultures, Citizenship and Human Rights
Registration via: secretariaat.IER@uu.nl
I.
Introduction
This seminar brings together scholars from various backgrounds such as law, anthropology,
sociology and political science in order to gain insights into both the efficacy and challenges
facing international human rights globally. Through critically analyzing the existing
institutions and best practices in human rights, we hope to explore potential complementary
institutions that could assist in building a more comprehensive framework for the
implementation of human rights worldwide. Based on the consensus of the universality of
human rights, this seminar attaches great importance to seeking cross-cultural perspectives on
human rights implementation and realization.
II.
Agenda
09:15-09:45
Registration (coffee/tea), Raadzaal, Achter Sint Pieter 200, Utrecht University
09:45-09:50
Welcome speech: Professor Tom Zwart1
09:50-10:05
Opening keynote speech: Professor Cees Flinterman2
10:05- 11:00 Morning input session (15 minute each)
Moderator: Ms. Stacey Links
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Ms. QIAO Cong-rui: Institutional role of news media in furthering freedom
of demonstration in China
Mr. Vincent Vleugel: Cultural diversity argument in the dialogue between
CEDAW and States parties
Mr. Seth Kaplan: Thick versus Thin Societies
11:00-11:15
1
2
Tea break
Professor of Human Rights and Director of the Netherlands School of Human Rights Research.
Emeritus Professor of Human rights and Member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
11:15-12:30 Commentary session
Moderator: Ms. Stacey Links
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Commentators: Professor Jenny Goldschmidt3 and Dr. Jos Philips4
(15 minutes each)
Response from presenters (10 minutes each)
Guided Q&A
12:30-13:30
Lunch
13:30-14:20
Afternoon input session (15 minute each)
Moderator: Ms. Julie Fraser
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Ms. Qinxuan Peng: Fill up Implementation Gap of International Human
Rights Instruments in China through Complementary Mechanism for the
Multiple Disadvantaged
Ms. Annemarie Middelburg: Human Rights and Female Genital
Mutilation/Cutting in Senegal
Ms. Valentina Carraro: A Double-Edged Sword: the Politicization of UN
Treaty Bodies and Universal Periodic Review
14:20-15:30 Commentary session
Moderator: Ms. Julie Fraser
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Commentators: Professor Titia Loenen5 and Professor Yvonne Donders6
(15 minutes each)
Response from presenters (10 minutes each)
Guided Q&A
15:30-15:45
Concluding keynote address: Ambassador Lionel Veer7
15:45-16:15
Q&A
16:15-16:20
Closing remarks: Professor Antoine Buyse 8
16:20-17:30
Reception
3
Emeritus Professor of Human Rights Law, Utrecht University.
Lecturer in Ethics and Political and Social Philosophy, Utrecht University.
5
Professor of Human Rights and Diversity, Leiden University.
6
Professor of International Human Rights and Cultural Diversity, University of Amsterdam.
7
Dutch Ambassador to UNESCO and former Dutch Human Rights Ambassador.
8
Professor of Human Rights, Director The Netherlands Institute of Human Rights (SIM).
4