Year of International Human Rights

2012-2013: The Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Stateless Persons

Webster University’s“Year of International Human Rights” began in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2008. Since then, the YIHR has expanded to include a wide range of programming that includes guest lectures, film series, art performances and exhibits, common reading programs, and more. 

The 2012/13 Year of International Human Rights (YIHR) focuses on the rights of indigenous peoples and stateless persons. These groups often suffer from lack of political and social recognition, and their human rights are regularly threatened despite the existence of international legal protections. For instance, many indigenous groups struggle to maintain their cultural traditions and self-determination even after the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.


Approximately 12 million people are stateless – they are not citizens to any country – despite the human “right to a nationality” that is outlined in international law. In fact, statelessness has been described as a “forgotten human rights crisis” that leads to exploitation and additional rights violations. While some indigenous people are also stateless, these are two distinct groups that both face severe threats to their human rights and dignity. The 2012/13 YIHR is therefore committed to drawing attention toward these neglected issues and supporting the rights of indigenous peoples and stateless persons.

2012-2013 Highlights

Award winning journalist Greg Constantine visited Webster University in October, 2012. He spoke on statelessness. For more information about Greg Constantine and his work, please visit his website.

 

 

Monte Reel, author of The Last of the Tribe: The Epic Quest to Save a Lone Man in the Amazon, came to speak on September 10, 2012 at Webster University. His talk was followed by a book signing and reception. The following day, Mr. Reel attended classrooms and met with students for coffee and cookies in the MCISA student lounge.

Members of the Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies with Monte Reel (back row).

Monte Reel presenting slide. "Rodonia: A land without men for man without land".