24^th March 2020, Queen’s University Belfast School of Law

The right to truth is on an upward trajectory in international law, and has been invoked as a tool to reckon with widespread human rights abuses in the aftermath of conflict and authoritarianism, as well as in relation to illiberal practices of established democracies. Taking stock of key global developments, including truth-seeking mechanisms worldwide, in 2010 the UN established an international day for the right to the truth (24th March). The 1-day conference on 24^th March 2020 at Queen’s University Belfast School of Law seeks to mark the 20th anniversary of the international day for the right to the truth by bringing together scholars and practitioners whose work is contributing to the conceptualisation and realisation of this emerging right in different ways. We will consider how the right to truth is developing and will discuss future doctrinal directions and possible applications of this right in relation to different scenarios.

Abstracts are invited from scholars and practitioners in law and sister disciplines (at all stages, including ECRs), clustered around three panels / topics:

Panel 1: The international law of the right to truth: Situating the norm

Panel 2: Reckoning with multiple truths: Legal and extra-legal paths

Panel 3: The ongoing right to (contested) truth(s): long-term legacies

 

Abstracts between 200-350 words, accompanied by a 1-page CV, should be submitted via email to Dr Alice Panepinto (a.panepinto@qub.ac.uk) by Wednesday 15th January 2020, clearly indicating “Right to truth conference abstract submission” in the subject line.

Applicants are encouraged to state in the accompanying email to their abstract submission whether they would like to be considered as discussants for one of the panels.

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 24th January, and additional details will be provided. A modest budget is available to support speakers’ travel to Belfast.

The conference will be free and open to academics and students, as well as to members of the public (including NGOs / CSOs and lawyers). Online registration required (details to follow).

For more information contact the organiser, Dr Alice Panepinto (a.panepinto@qub.ac.uk). 

 

**This project was generously supported by the SLS Small Projects and Events Fund**