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ISF 2009 | Dignity and the Human Person: Foundations of a Rights System

The 6th annual International Solidarity Forum took place in New York City at the United Nations and World Youth Alliance Headquarters from March 22nd through March 25th, 2009. Experts in the fields of philosophy, law, and human rights gave lectures to 44 World Youth Alliance members from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. After listening to the experts, WYA delegates then negotiated an outcome document articulating WYA's understanding of the philosophy of human rights.

Many thanks to the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of St. Lucia to the United Nations for their support of this event!


ISF Lectures (Audio MP3 Files)

Overview of the ISF and Intro to the Work of WYA (Part I) (Part II)
Mary Halpine, WYA President and Rebecca Austen, WYA Director of Advocacy

Human Dignity as a Foundation for Human Rights
Dr. Paolo Carozza, Notre Dame Law School

Human Rights and the UN
Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN

Human Rights Instruments
Julie Owen, Attorney

The Relational Basis of Human Solidarity: Why Humanitarian Duties Are Not Enough
Dr. David Thunder, Princeton University

Drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Dr. Habib Malik, Lebanese American University 

Countries represented: Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Lebanon, Austria, Germany, France, Paraguay, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Canada and United States

Download the schedule of activities.

Read selections from the briefing packet that delegates read in preparation for the ISF: