Are crises becoming the new normal? Economic and financial crises have prompted austerity measures that have had disastrous impacts on the enjoyment of human rights including health, education, water and housing, with the rights of the most marginalized consistently hit the hardest. Some crises such as the Flint water crisis are making headlines, while others remain invisible. There is growing global concern about economic inequalities. At the same time, xenophobia, islamophobia and racism are on the rise, with populist politics further threatening those who are already socially marginalized. Panelists will discuss how human rights advocates can confront these worrying trends and why socio-economic rights are now more important than ever, both at internationally and in the United States. Can human rights serve to safeguard the dignity of all people, even in times of crises?
Chair:
Inga Winkler, Institute for the Study of Human Rights
Panelists:
Aoife Nolan, Professor of International Human Rights Law, University of Nottingham & Hauser Senior Global Fellow, NYU
Nicholas Lusiani, Director, Human Rights in Economic Policy Program, Center for Economic and Social Rights
Madison Condon, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, Columbia Water Center, Earth Institute
