At present, Latin America may be characterized as a region that has enjoyed an epoch of “long peace”, due to the lack of inter-state wars. Simultaneously we have seen a diametric rise in intra-state violence, evidenced by its ranking as having the highest level of violence in the world, and in particular having the highest levels of violence against workers and women.
This book explores the regional normative evolution of peace from its negative form (absence of violence) to its positive form (equality, non-discrimination, and social justice) and the challenge of articulating a pro homine peace in an increasing authoritarian populist context.
Bailliet has interviewed the sitting judges in The Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The court has established a large amount of case law regarding migrants, indigenous and elderly people’s rights. The court also employs orders demanding protection of human right advocates and other civil society actors participating in protests subject to state repression.
The sitting president for The Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Elizabeth Odio Benito, views women as the heart of peace, and concludes that the court protects peace because it protects women’s rights. At present there is a high level of polarization in the region, evident by societal mobilization and counter-mobilization regarding abortion, access to IVF, violence against women and family rights.
The book seeks to explore to what degree The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is capable of developing a framework for sustainable peace within the context of the triad human rights, democracy and development.
PROGRAMME:
17:00 Welcome and introduction by Cecilia Bailliet
17: 10 Prepared comment by Professor Thomas Antkowiak, Professor of Law and Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at the Seattle University School of Law (live streamed from the US).
17:30 Prepared comment by Professor Benedicte Bull, UiO.
Discussion: Challenges to peace in Latin America
After the discussion, KafeOslo at Litteraturhuset will offer participants a meal of empanadas, tostadas and refreshments.
We regret that due to covid restrictions, only a very limited number of participants can be invited. Current restrictions also limit interactions between participants (no mingling-policy).
About the author
Professor Cecilia M. Bailliet is Professor Dr. jur., Director of the Masters Program in International Law, and Co-Director of the Research Group on Human Rights in Conflict, Peace and Security Law. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has a combined J.D./M.A. (honours) degree from The George Washington University Law School & Elliott School of International Affairs (U.S.A). She received her Doctorate in law from the University of Oslo. Bailliet researches transnational and cross-disciplinary issues within international law including general public international law, human rights, refugee law, counter-terrorism, gender/women's rights, and peace. Bailliet's books include The Construction of the Customary Law of Peace: Latin America and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Edward Elgar 2021); The Research Handbook on International Law and Peace (Edward Elgar 2019), Promoting Peace Through International Law (OUP 2015), The Legitimacy of International Criminal Tribunals (CUP 2017), Non-State Actors, Soft Law, and Protective Regimes (CUP 2012), Cosmopolitan Justice and its Discontents (Routledge 2011), and Security: A Multidisciplinary Normative Approach (Brill 2009).
She has served as consultant to national and international organizations, and her research has been the basis for the creation of guidelines in various institutions. She created the courses "Refugee and Asylum Law" and "The Right to Peace" and is in charge of the Masters Level course on "Public International Law" at the Law Faculty.
She was a Visting Scholar at the University for Peace in Costa Rica between July 2018-July 2019. She has given lectures in different countries, including Cambridge University, UCL, University of Caen, Normandy, University of Leuven, Stockholm University, ICOURTS in Denmark, and the Center of International Law in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Practical information
Due to current restrictions there are a limited number of seats available. All attendees must register ahead of the event. In case of overbooking the organizers reserves the right to prioritize some guests.
The event will be streamed. You are asked to register ahead also if you wish to follow the streaming.
The event is part of Forskningsdagene, hosted by the Norwegian Research Council.