International Conference "Conceptualising vulnerability in a time of human rights regression", University of Padova, 13-14 November 2023

Event date: 13-14 November 2023
Venue: University of Padova

Even before we are born, we are surrounded by water. During that time our bodies are mainly composed of water and our planet earth is primarily made of water.
As an artist there is only one conclusion: „We all swim in the same waters“. Despite the fact t — © Alice

The annual conference’s programme revolves around the multidimensional concept of ontological and situational "vulnerability" with specific regards to the enhanced challenges brought by the ongoing period of human rights regression. The event will critically elaborate on this notion, not only regarding individual and socio-political scenarios where people are affected by the consequences of destructive neoliberalist policies, but also about nonhuman subjectivities and ecosystems impacted by human-induced phenomena of degradation.

Confirmed speakers include: Baldassare Pastore, University of Ferrara; Mariagrazia Giammarinaro, former UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children; Jeremy Sarkin, NOVA University of Lisboa; Roberto De Vogli, University of Padova; Anna Brambilla, Association for Juridical Studies on Immigration (ASGI); Kiran Hassan, Institute of Commoweath Studies, University of London; Piergiuseppe Parisi, Centre for Applied Human Rights, University of York; Aleksandr Osinskyy, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, South Sudan; Corrado Mandreoli (ResQ).

The Conference is organized by the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca”, and the UNESCO Chair “Human Rights, Democracy and Peace”, in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies of the University of Padova.

Event partners include the following institutes: Human Rights Consortium, University of London (UK), UNESCO Chair "Human Rights and Human Security" University of Graz (Austria), Institute of International Studies, University of Wroclav (Poland); School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Stop Ecocide International.

The event is planned to take place in in presence. An online streaming of the various sessions will be provided.

The Conference constitutes the launching event of the third Winter School on “Vulnerability”: foundations, patterns, critiques, which will follow the Conference between 14 and 17 November.

Video recordings

Monday 13 November 2023, Opening Plenary Session