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7th Conference on Human Rights

Human rights and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific
The 7th Conference on Human Rights provides a platform for academics, human rights activists and practitioners to explore current human rights issues in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Dates: 28 & 29 August 2024
Venue: Faculty of Law, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, East Java Indonesia

Theme

Human Rights, Peace, and Innovation in Asia and the Pacific: A Synergistic Approach to Sustainable Societies

Background

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving global challenges, the pursuit of human rights, peace, and innovation has never been more intertwined or critical. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it becomes increasingly evident that these three pillars—human rights, peace, and innovation—are not isolated pursuits but rather interconnected and mutually reinforcing. In a world marred by persistent inequalities, conflicts, and pressing challenges such as climate change and global health crises, the need for innovative solutions that prioritize human rights and peace is paramount. Furthermore, technology and innovation have the potential to either exacerbate existing disparities or serve as a catalyst for positive change. This Conference seeks to delve deep into this symbiotic relationship and explore how harnessing their collective power can lead to greater inclusion, equity, and prosperity for all. It will serve as a platform for scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world to engage in a dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries and envisions a future where human rights, peace, and innovation are at the core of inclusive societies. In addition, it aims to foster discussions that illuminate the delicate balance between harnessing innovation for the common good and ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights and global peace.

At its core, the conference will emphasize the following key discussions: (1) Inclusive Innovation by exploring how innovative technologies, practices, and policies can be designed and implemented to ensure that no one is left behind, regardless of their background or circumstances; (2) Human Rights-Centric Innovation by examining the ways in which innovation can be harnessed to advance and protect human rights, from digital privacy to access to essential services. (3) Conflict Transformation by investigating how innovative approaches can be used to prevent and resolve conflicts while upholding human rights and promoting lasting peace; and (4) Global Cooperation by highlighting the necessity of international collaboration and cooperation in the pursuit of human rights, peace, and innovative solutions on a global scale. As we embark on this journey of exploration and discovery, we invite participants to contribute their expertise, insights, and experiences to help forge a path toward a more inclusive, just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Together, we will chart a course that recognizes the interdependence of human rights, peace, and innovation and shapes a brighter future where these elements synergistically empower all members of our global society.

To respond to this question, we are delighted to organise the 7th Conference on Human Rights. The conference is expected to become an academic hub for all academic scholars, observers, practitioners, government, and civil society to share ideas and experiences about human rights and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific region from various perspectives. 

Conference hosts

This conference is co-hosted by:

  • Faculty of Law at Universitas Brawijaya (UB)
  • The Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration (CHRM2) at the University of Jember
  • Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) at the University of Sydney
  • National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS HAM)
  • Indonesian Scholar Network on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ISFORB)
  • Indonesian Consortium for Human Rights Lecturers (SEPAHAM) Indonesia
  • Australia Consulate General in Surabaya
  • Law and Human Rights Policy Strategi Agency - Ministry of Law and Human Rights - Republic of Indonesia

Call for Papers

The conference is open for submission of papers. The form is open until 6 February 2024.

Further information

  • Call for Papers closes: 6 February 2024
  • Announcement of selected abstracts: 1 March 2024
  • Full paper submissions: 25 February – 28 June 2024
  • Announcement of best papers: 4 July 2024
  • Academic writing workshop: 27 August 2024
  • Conference: 28–29 August 2024
  • Dr. Muktiono, Universitas Brawijaya and chairman of the Indonesian Consortium for Human Rights Lecturers (SEPAHAM) Indonesia.
  • Dr. Al Khanif, Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration at the University of Jember
  • Prof. Sonja van Wichelen, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre at the University of Sydney
  • In person only (plenary & parallel/panel sessions)
  • Panel session in Bahasa Indonesia 

Participants are encouraged to submit abstracts that address any aspect of this broad theme, drawing upon their particular field of study and their national, regional, or comparative experience. The focus of accepted papers will include, but will not be limited to:

  1. Human rights, marginalisation, and cities development
  2. Democracy, business and human rights
  3. Social inclusion, disability and human rights
  4. Human Rights and ecological justice
  5. Displacement, migration and human rights
  6. Regionalism and human rights
  7. Criminal law and human Rights
  8. Citizenship and human rights
  9. Authoritarianism and protection to human rights defenders
  10. Arts, culture, and human rights
  11. Indigeneity and human rights
  12. The right to health
  13. Religion and human rights
  14. Human rights and technology
  15. Science, ethics, and human rights
  16. Gender and human rights
  17. Human rights advocacy and education
  18. Bahasa Indonesia submission (untuk abstrak dan presentasi dalam Bahasa Indonesia)

The Call for Papers is open until 6 February 2024.

  • Each speaker will be given 20 minutes to present their paper.
  • All speakers must send a paper abstract (in English or Bahasa Indonesia, and not more than 200 words) no later than 6 February 2024
  • Speakers will be notified by 1 March 2024 if their paper is accepted.
  • Accepted presenters must send confirmation of acceptance no later than 31 May 2024.
  • Final papers must be sent to the committee by 28 June 2024.

Please direct any queries regarding the submission process to Nanda Sarawati.

The conference is free of charge for all presenters.

  • Selected best papers will be offered for a peer review for the Journal of Southeast Asian Human Rights, Human Rights in the Global South by SEPAHAM Indonesia, and Brawijaya Law Journal.
  • The conference provides grants for the 15 best papers which include a return ticket, accommodation, academic writing (one day before the conference) and peer-review for publication at Jurnal HAM managed by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

For any enquiries about the conference, please contact

Nanda Saraswati

For any enquiries about post-conference publication, please contact

Dr Al Khanif