Freedom, Dignity and Justice for All

Access to Justice

In its 75 years, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has helped many find justice -- either by changing laws or providing opportunities for people to claim their rights.  But there are still places where accessing justice is difficult or impossible for those seeking it.
In this episode, we hear from those who continue to uphold the promise of the Declaration. Anya Neistat is a renowned human rights advocate and legal director of the Clooney Foundation for Justice.  And we hear from two justice activists -- Hina Jilani, a member of the Elders and a former UN Special Representative on Human Rights defenders, and Marianna Romero, a Venezuelan  lawyer who specializes in defending human rights activists in trouble.  

Women, Participation and the Universal Declaration

Women were essential to the shaping of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris chats with Professor Rebecca Adami, whose book Women and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights tells the remarkable stories of the women determined to ensure its inclusivity. 
Also, we chat with Emilia Saiz, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments, on how women are essential when it comes to decision making that effects all communities. She answers the question, what women's meaningful participation in decision making look like in action.  

The power of peaceful assembly

"There's nothing more powerful than when people are gathered peacefully...nothing," says Maina Kiai founding director of Human Rights' Watch Alliances and Partnerships Programme. As the former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly, he understands the importance of civic space to build communities and to keep governments in check. He is in discussion with UN Human Rights' Marcelo Daher. 

”A human rights enhancing economy promotes human flourishing.”

A coherent, functioning economy is one that facilitates people to be their best selves. Strong words from economist Professor Darrick Hamilton, who is the director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at the New School in New York City, USA. Join High Commissioner Volker Türk in conversation with Professor Hamilton, as they talk how human centered economies can promote, peace, community and even save lives. 

Overcoming the enemies of equality

In this episode we discuss racial justice -- what it means and what needs to be done to fight for it. Dominique Day, a member of the Working Group on People of African Descent, and Tracey Keesee, a member of the Expert Mechanism to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement, tell us why racial justice is a process. And we are in conversation with one of the biggest names in USA civil rights law, Benjamin Crump, whose clients have included the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd. 

Support and Care

Support and care are something that we all need. It helps us to participate in society and live with dignity and with choice. We talk about how can we improve it for both both carers and those cared. And we are in conversation with a young human rights defender who is a self-proclaimed "trouble-maker" when it comes to standing up for human rights.  

We are all connected: In conversation with Blanche Cook

In this episode of the UDHR 75 podcast, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is in conversation with activist, freedom of information warrior and author of THE definitive biography of Eleanor Roosevelt, Blanche Cook.