CHRGJ conference focuses on human rights fact-finding

International Human Rights Fact-Finding in the Twenty-First Century,” a conference held on November 1-2 by NYU Law’s Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ), examined imperialist critiques of fact-finding, the relationships between fact-finders and witnesses, differing goals and mandates at play, the influences of social science methodology and social media, and the question of whether international guidelines should govern the practice.

Thomas Hammarberg, European Union special representative on human rights to Georgia, delivered the keynote address, focused on the future of human rights fact-finding. “Fact-finding is absolutely crucial,” said Hammarberg, “and if we could develop further techniques—and not least to learn from one another’s experiences—we may improve our impact when it comes to protection of human rights.”

Also participating were Adjunct Professor Sarah Knuckey, director of CHRGJ’s Initiative on Human Rights Fact-Finding, and CHRGJ faculty directors Philip Alston, John Norton Pomeroy Professor of Law, and Professor Margaret Satterthwaite ’99.

Watch the full video of Thomas Hammarberg's keynote address (55 min):

Posted on December 4, 2013