The opening keynote was delivered by Helen Duffy (Leiden University), who offered a sharp analysis of the current challenges in human rights protection, while also highlighting reasons for optimism. In seven parallel panel sessions, researchers presented their work on access to justice in relation to topics such as migration and borders, business and sustainability, social rights, strategic litigation, discrimination, technological innovation, and the climate crisis. In total, 23 presentations were given.
In addition to the substantive sessions, there was space for connection. On Wednesday, PhD candidates participated in a speed networking session with senior researchers. Between the panel sessions, Qader Shafiq offered a poetic interlude and reflected on ten years of Shelter City Nijmegen.
The closing panel, with contributions from Lisa-Marie Komp (Vrije Universiteit), Liesbeth Lijnzaad (Aalborg University), Morten Kjaerum (University of Aarhus), and Eduard Nazarski, offered a reflection on the role and impact of human rights research in a world where fundamental freedoms are increasingly under pressure.
Despite these challenges, the network continues to grow: since January 2023, 146 new members have joined, bringing the total to 468 – including 197 junior members. Wageningen University & Research recently joined as an affiliated member. In 2024, two new thematic working groups were established on Human Rights and the Climate Crisis, and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The blog Human Rights Here published 72 contributions over the past two years, and a new partnership was launched with T.M.C. Asser Press and Springer to support the publication of PhD dissertations in the Human Rights Research Series. A new conference grant for PhD researchers was also introduced this year.
The day was organised by the Research Centre for State and Law (SteR), with thanks to Sandra Arntz, Jeske Jansen, Emilia Klebanowski, Jasper Krommendijk, Annick Pijnenburg, Lisa van Roermund and Machteld Vonk.