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Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights
A Voice for Human Rights

A Voice for Human Rights

by Mary Robinson

Edited by Kevin Boyle

Foreword by Kofi Annan

Afterword by Louise Arbour

Published by: University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.

Series: Pennsylvania Studies in Human Rights

Imprint: University of Pennsylvania Press

456 Pages

Web PDF
9780812203332
Published: November 2010

Description
Contents
Authors

Few names are so closely connected with the cause of human rights as that of Mary Robinson. As former President of Ireland, she was ideally positioned for passionately and eloquently arguing the case for human rights around the world. Over five tumultuous years that included the tragic events of 9/11, she offered moral leadership and vision to the global human rights movement. This volume is a unique account in Robinson's own words of her campaigns as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

A Voice for Human Rights offers an edited collection of Robinson's public addresses, given between 1997 and 2002, when she served as High Commissioner. The book also provides the first in-depth account of the work of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights. With a foreword by Kofi Annan and an afterword by Louise Arbour, the current High Commissioner for Human Rights, the book will be of interest to all concerned with international human rights, international relations, development, and politics.

Foreword by Kofi Annan

Introduction by Kevin Boyle

PART I: A VISION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Chapter 1: A Personal Vision

PART II: FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION
Chapter 2: The Struggle against Racism
Chapter 3: Women's Rights Are Human Rights
Chapter 4: Eliminating Religious Discrimination and Intolerance
Chapter 5: Combating Other Discrimination and Exclusion

PART III: DIMENSIONS OF THE MANDATE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER
Chapter 6: Human Rights Defenders
Chapter 7: Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
Chapter 8: The Right to Development
Chapter 9: Human Rights Education
Chapter 10: Children's Rights
Chapter 11: Minorities and Indigenous Peoples
Chapter 12: Human Rights after Conflict
Chapter 13: Business and Human Rights

PART IV: BUILDING HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION
Chapter 14: The High Commissioner and the United Nations Human Rights System
Chapter 15: Supporting United Nations Human Rights Bodies
Chapter 16: Working with Countries and Regions
Chapter 17: Strengthening National Human Rights Protection

PART V: CONTINUING CHALLENGES
Chapter 18: Mainstreaming Human Rights
Chapter 19: Terrorism, Peace, and Human Security
Chapter 20: Ethical Globalization

Farewell Speech

Afterword by Louise Arbour

Appendix 1 Key International Legal Instruments
Appendix 2 General Assembly Resolution 48/141

Notes
Editorial Acknowledgments
Index

Mary Robinson is former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1997-2002, and former President of Ireland, 1990-97. She now leads Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative. Kevin Boyle is Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex. Kofi Annan of Ghana was the seventh Secretary General of the United Nations, from 1997 to 2004. Louise Arbour is current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She began her term in 2004.