Empowering Voices Against Violence, Displacement, and Hate
On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Forum was held on December 11th at VUB Promotiezaal D.2.01. This inspiring event tackled critical issues related to human rights, engaging a diverse audience of human rights defenders, academics, civil society representatives, and students. With three panels and a workshop, the forum provided a comprehensive platform for discussion and exchange of ideas.
Each panel focused on a distinct theme, addressing the role of the UN in preventing human rights violations, empowering women in the fight against violence, and refugee and asylum seekers’ rights in Europe. Additionally, the day concluded with a Microaggressions Workshop, aiming to raise awareness of unconscious biases and microaggressions in everyday life.
The Role of the UN in Preventing Human Rights Violations
The forum began with a panel discussion on the role of the UN in preventing human rights violations. Moderated by human rights lawyer Coşkun Yorulmaz, the session explored the structural limitations of the UN and how national parliaments and legal mechanisms could complement its efforts.
Panelists highlighted pressing human rights issues, including the situation of the Uyghur population in China. Samuel Cogolati shared his experience drafting a resolution in the Belgian Parliament recognizing crimes against humanity and genocide in Xinjiang. He emphasized the role of national parliaments and media in creating international pressure to address such violations.
Katayoun F. Hosseinnejad provided a detailed explanation of the UN’s human rights mechanisms, distinguishing between charter-based and treaty-based bodies. She underscored the importance of independent NGO reports in ensuring the reliability of information in countries with restricted access.
Haşim Tekineş focused on the post-2016 human rights situation in Turkey, discussing the role of UN mechanisms in addressing systemic violations, such as abductions and torture. He highlighted how the UN’s diplomatic visibility and Turkey’s economic dependencies influence the country’s response to international human rights decisions. In response to a question about why Turkey adheres more to UN resolutions than European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings, he explained that the international scrutiny and pressure generated by the UN play a significant role.
Empowering Women: Combating Violence and Promoting Safety
The second panel, moderated by Fatima Altunbaş, addressed gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence. Panelists explored the implementation of international agreements, such as the Istanbul Convention, and practical strategies for empowering women.
Marie Denis introduced the concept of coercive control as a non-physical but deeply harmful form of domestic violence. She shared innovative tools developed for identifying and addressing such abuse, including quick assessment forms and games designed for victims with language barriers.
Marwa Neji shed light on the specific challenges faced by migrant women, such as legal dependency and economic inequalities, which often trap them in cycles of violence. When asked how migrant women could be better informed about their rights, she highlighted the pivotal role of NGOs and community-based initiatives.
Angelica Arámbulo focused on women’s representation in peace processes, citing Colombia’s inclusive peace efforts as a successful example. She argued that women’s involvement is not merely symbolic but a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable peace. She also emphasized the critical importance of economic equality and gender justice in fostering long-term stability.
Refugee and Asylum Seekers’ Rights in Europe: Bridging Education and Labour Needs
The third panel explored the challenges of integrating refugees and asylum seekers into education and the labor market. Moderated by Selçuk Gültaslı, the session delved into systemic barriers such as diploma recognition, language barriers, and discrimination.
Prof. Ides Nicaise highlighted the "Camp to Campus" project, which aims to bridge the gap between refugee camps and higher education institutions. He emphasized the societal and economic benefits of integrating refugees into education systems.
Hakan Ayçiçek addressed the lengthy and complex processes of diploma recognition, which often leave highly qualified refugees underemployed. He proposed developing standardized recognition frameworks at the EU level to streamline these processes.
Prof. Ilias Chiloglou shared personal insights on the psychological impact of "overqualification," where skilled refugees are unable to work in their fields due to systemic barriers. He advocated for more flexible and inclusive policies to address this issue effectively.
Workshop: Microaggressions
The event concluded with the Microaggressions Workshop, which aimed to help participants recognize and combat unconscious biases in everyday interactions. Through interactive activities, attendees gained practical tools to foster more inclusive and respectful communication.
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