The Centre for Fundamental Rights cordially invites you to attend the 2026 Annual Keynote Conversation on “The Reach of Rights”
At a time when the rules-based international order appears to be crumbling, this event brings together leading voices in human rights adjudication to discuss how apex courts around the world and UN Treaty Bodies interpret the application of human rights beyond national borders. This is a hotly debated issue, particularly in situations where it is unclear whether and how far these protections extend. The conversation will consider key world challenges such as armed conflict, global security, climate change, and migration, and reflect on questions of power, State obligations, and accountability at national, regional, and global levels. Speakers will examine the effects and limitations of current trends in these domains, comparing approaches and contemplating on potential future directions.
Special attention will be paid to key recent decisions, including S.S. And Others v. Italy (migration control), Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal (climate litigation), Ukraine and The Netherlands v. Russia (war) by the European Court of Human Rights; A.S. And Others v. Italy (rescue at sea) and General Comment No 36 on the Right to Life by the UN Human Rights Committee; the new Advisory Opinion on Climate Change by the International Court of Justice, building on Advisory Opinion No 32/2025 by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; and the Judgment of 19 May 2020 – 1 BvR 2835/17 (foreign surveillance) by the German Constitutional Court.
The event is part of the Distinguished Lectures series hosted by the Centre for Fundamental Rights.
