"Human Rights in Crisis"-- An Interdisciplinary Conference

The "War on Terror" has dealt harshly with human rights practices and ideals. Human rights seem to be increasingly compromised by narrowly defined state interests. As a consequence many have argued, the era of human rights has been superceded by a newly vigorous era of imperialism, warfare, and terror. Set backs in some arenas, however, do not erase advances in others. Notable recent achievements include the curtailing of property laws to provide affordable HIV-AIDS pharmaceuticals in impoverished nations, the establishment of the International criminal court, or the 2003 revision of women's legal status in Morocco. What is the status, then, of Human Rights in this era of crisis?

This conference explores the theory and practice of human rights from historical and contemporary perspectives. We seek participants working in the areas of Women's rights, Social and Economic rights, and on Culture, Technology, Medicine, Globalization, and the War on Terror. Academics, professionals, activists, and critics are encouraged to apply.

The Conference is planned for Feb. 18-19, 2005. Conference funding will cover some travel expenses. Publication in a peer-reviewed book is planned. Participants will be asked to pre-circulate their papers on a secure website.

Please submit abstracts for proposed papers along with a short c.v. to: Human Rights Initiative, School of History, Technology & Society, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA 30332-0345. Proposals are due on September 25th, 2004. Notification of acceptance by October 25th.