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Conference Announcement Theme: Immigration and Integration in an Age of Austerity Subtitle: Challenges and Opportunities Type: London International Human Rights Congress 2011 Institution: Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Location: London (United Kingdom) Date: 22.–25.11.2011 __________________________________________________ Event Introduction The London International Human Rights Congress is an international Conference held annually by the ICD and other leading organizations in a different global capital city. The aim of the conference this year is to reflect on the operation and application of Human Rights with particular focus on Immigration and Integration. The program will consist of lectures, seminars, debates and panel discussions that will feature leading figures from international politics & diplomacy, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Since the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the dignity and respect afforded to the protection of Human Rights across the Globe has faced an unprecedented amount of challenges. In our Globalised and Multicultural world rights relating to Immigration and Integration are those which are both most important in terms of International Relations, and those most at risk. It is during times like these that the International Human Rights framework is tested in a way like never before. Raising new questions such as how far should National Financial or Economic failings be allowed to influence the Universality of access to fundamental rights? The London International Human Rights Congress will discuss the challenges and opportunities which arise in the quest to protect Human Rights in the 21st Century. The ICD Initiative on "the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide" The London International Human Rights Congress will also focus on the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy’s Initiative on the prevention and punishment of genocide. This initiative comprises a significant part of the ICD’s Human Rights agenda and vision. This model convention is a result of Collaboration between the ICD and the former Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa. The Model Convention recognizes the major global changes that have occurred since the drafting of the 1948 UN Convention on the Punishment and Prevention of Genocide by Rafael Lemkin. The Model Convention seeks to take inspiration from Lenkin’s groundbreaking work, whilst taking into account recent events such as the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and create a new global response to the problem of Genocide which can carry Lemkin’s vision into the 21st Century. Conference Speakers Speakers during the conference will include leading figures and experts from civil society, international politics, academia, diplomacy, and the private sector from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here). Conference Participants The conference is open to applications from governmental and diplomatic officials, civil society practitioners, young professionals, students and scholars, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world. Certificate of Attendance All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which provides details about the speakers and topics at the conference. Each certificate will be signed by members of the ICD's Advisory Board. Conference Locations Based primarily in the Portcullis House in London (the house is used by UK members of Parliament and located next to the UK Parliament), the conference, will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city. Participant Papers The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought on the fields of culture, globalization, and international relations. As such, the ICD welcomes participants of the conference to submit relevant papers addressing topics within these fields particular to their interests and passions. Participants can submit papers written in the past for other purposes or ongoing research, or written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work. Congress Agenda The London International Human Rights Congress shall take place over a period of 4 days. The goal of the London International Human Rights Congress is to renew the International agenda on Human Rights and reiterate and renew the importance of dedication to Human Rights on both the International and National Level. Discussion on the renewed importance of Human Rights is significant in 2011 as State’s across the globe find themselves both trying sustain a multicultural and equal society whilst simultaneously managing what has become a global debt crisis, and other challenges to multiculturalism. The Congress seeks to achieve a new global commitment to International Human Rights in this new modern Age of Austerity and will achieve these goals by exploring the routes and avenues by which a balance can be sought between dedication to a modern Human Rights regime as well as Immigration and Integration. The following issues will be mentioned and explored: Understanding Integration and Migration: Challenges and Opportunities Recent worldwide events have presented a new challenge to Policy makers across the Globe. Immigration and Integration policies have recently been overcoming difficulties which are very closely linked to the current financial crisis. Namely, Integration funds have been cut when immigrant populations are most vulnerable and shifts in the European political landscape have had a great impact on migration opportunities in Europe. During the Congress the following issues will be raised and explored: - Opportunities from Integration (Focus: Integration; employment; diversity; economy) - The Challenges of Migration in an Age of Austerity (Focus: Migration; economy; financial crisis; rights) - The Importance of Financial Support for Integration (Focus: EU integration policy and process; budgetary constraints; employment/unemployment) - The Role of Immigrants in Rebuilding the Economy of Nations Post Financial Crisis (Focus: Value of immigrants; economic recovery; the Eurozone) - The Ongoing Financial Crisis and Europe’s Economic Capacity to Sustain Current Levels of Immigration (Focus: EU immigration policy; the Eurozone; budgetary cuts; integration) - The Dangers of Abandoning Integration in a Time of Economic Recovery and the Problems of a Laissez-Faire Approach (Focus: Education; access to social services; U.S. policy; social xclusion) Migration and Multiculturalism in a Globalised World In an increasingly globalized world, migration and multiculturalism have risen in significance and become an essential and valued part of every nation’s policy agenda. In an age of austerity, compounded by the growing challenges posed by integration, governments are exploring new and innovative responses. The Congress will tackle these issues by balancing immigration and integration with human rights, and will seek to establish an intercultural dialogue based on frank exchanges of views and expertise. - What is Multiculturalism? (Focus: Concepts, benefits, and problems; interrelations; intercultural dialogue) - Migration and Globalization (Focus: Benefits, problems and challenges of free movement; national identity) - The Balance Between Immigration and Integration versus Human Rights (Focus: EU human rights policies; Turkey; Greece; the Middle East) - Regional Responses to Migration in an Age of Austerity: How Can We Learn from the Examples of our Neighbors? (Focus: National responses; regional responses; national migration policies; national initiatives) - Increasing support for Far-Right Policies in Europe: A Symbol of Failed Integration (Focus: France; Sweden; the Netherlands; Norway; Switzerland; extreme immigration policies; conservative movements) - If “Multiculturalism” in Europe Has “Failed”: Is There an Alternative? (Focus: Diplomatic involvement; leaders’ involvement; EU states) - The Challenge of Controlling Latin American-U.S. Immigration Policy in a Time of Austerity and Effects on Integration (Focuses: Central America; treatment of immigrants; U.S. policy debate; economic recession; national interests) Human Rights and Austerity: The Path Ahead Despite increased international awareness, human rights are not universally acknowledged and enforced all over the world. In an era of economic crisis, the conduct of governments and political leaders will be especially important in advancing basic human rights, as leaders must ensure that political as well as social rights are respected in the face of monetary cuts and other unprecedented events. The Congress will explore the current situation, particularly regarding the rights of migrants, and will present options for the future in order to continue to support a Multicultural society. - Human Rights in a Globalised World (Focus: International human rights; national human rights; compliance; awareness) - The Relationship Between Human Rights and the Economy (Focus: Financial crisis and its effects on human rights; current affairs) - Migrants in Conflict Situations (Focus: Libya and Syria) - Can Budget Cuts and Austerity Measures ever be an Explanation for Human Rights Abuses and Violations? (Focus: Monetary adjustments; xenophobia; discrimination) - The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families: An Assessment of the Current Situation (Focus: Expansion; enforcement; unemployment; European application) Innovative Concepts of Cultural Diplomacy and the Impact of Culture on Integration In an increasingly globalised world, the power of culture to transcend national borders and address disparities in religion/politics/ideology has never been more profound. The potential of Cultural Diplomacy as a tool of Integration is massive, and has the ability to harmonise and bring communites together like no other form of soft power. The Congress will explore the role of “cultural diplomacy” in integrating immigrant communities, and will allow participants and speakers to discuss the various ways this new diplomacy can be effectively used as an integration tool. - What is Cultural Diplomacy? (Focus: Cultural diplomacy; international relations; art as cultural diplomacy) - The Impact of Culture on Integration Policies (Focus: The role and value of culture; national integration policies) - How Can an Intercultural Dialogue Aid Legal Migration in the Age of Austerity? (Focus: Cultural diplomacy; austerity; education; art as cultural diplomacy) - How Can Cultural Diplomacy Aid the Integration of Ethnic Minorities?: Education and Access to Basic Social Services? (Focus: Cultural diplomacy; education; intercultural/interreligious dialogue) - African Migration to Europe—A New Management in the Wake of the Arab Spring (Focus: Middle East; revolution; regime change; impact of social media; youth power) Contact: __________________________________________________ InterPhil List Administration: http://interphil.polylog.org Intercultural Philosophy Calendar: http://cal.polylog.org __________________________________________________
