Testimony of an Alumna
Last week the Fundamental Rights Forum 2024 took place, themed:
Rights in motion: Embracing human rights for Europe’s future- connect.reflect.act.
Over the course of two days, the event aimed to create
a unique space for dialogue and a place to explore the pressing human rights challenges that we face in Europe today.
It offered a unique opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and translate the acquired knowledge into action. The two days were packed: a long list of topics ranging from racism in football to digitalization, accompanied by an impressive lineup of speakers. Among them were current E.MA master's students, alumni, academics, human rights experts and defenders, and tons of representatives from international organizations, NGOs, EU institutions, and agencies.
This list of speakers and the diverse audience, though less diverse in terms of ethnicity and nationality proved enriching, particularly for the numerous young attendees who had the chance to interact with a wide spectrum of individuals working with or within the human rights field. Throughout the many debates, the art performances in the forms of dance, slam poetry, and music provided an inspiring and refreshing change of pace.
It's worth mentioning that the main focus during the two-day event leaned towards reflection and connection rather than criticism, exposing shortcomings, or proposing solutions. Many of the speakers discussed the multiplicity of challenges within Europe: the climate change, an impeding economic crisis, the crumbling of the rule of law, the rise of extreme (left and right), the migration crisis, the challenges that come with the widespread use of artificial intelligence, and of course the war in Ukraine which increasingly polarizes Europe and its defense policy. Simultaneously, there was consensus that especially in these challenging times, we really understand what human rights mean and acknowledge the importance to uphold them as we (too) often take them for granted. Some rightfully drew attention to the ongoing unlawful attacks on civilians in Gaza, and emphasized that solutions to the current crises should not come at the expense of the Global South.
Engaging with both familiar and new faces was a delight, affording me the chance to finally meet my thesis supervisor, whom I had previously only interacted with virtually due to Covid restrictions, as well as the current student representative and the dedicated team behind the EMA program. In times overshadowed by conflict and crises, all these connections give hope and can empower the collective fight for human rights. As defenders of human rights, I believe it is our duty to remain acutely aware of our limited perspectives and strive to broaden them by attentively listening to diverse and silenced voices. Any solution to a (European) problem must inherently align with the human rights of all. Thus, yes, let us remain hopeful, continue to connect and reflect, but also actively seek out avenues for meaningful action to ensure human rights for all.
-Naomi Van Den Broeck (EMA 2021)
