David Petrasek
David Petrasek is Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, and Senior Editor at OpenGlobalRights.
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Human rights “inflation”—what’s the problem?
By: David Petrasek
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Instead of talking about “rights inflation”, we should understand what we are witnessing are new interpretations that respond to new struggles for human dignity.
Human and non-human rights – convergence or conflict?
By: David Petrasek
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On the 70th anniversary of the UDHR, claims to recognize non-human rights are advancing and pose challenges to the anthropocentrism at the heart of the human rights ...
Another one bites the dust—what future for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights?
By: David Petrasek
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The early departure—yet again—of a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights suggests it’s time to re-think the office’s priorities and strengthen its mandate.
Trump’s election makes US human rights pariah
By: David Petrasek
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A Trump presidency poses a grave threat to human rights—not only in the US but also worldwide. For human rights advocates, it can’t be business as usual.
Human rights and social justice—a false dichotomy?
By: David Petrasek
Even a narrow view of human rights will find at least some overlap with social justice demands, which are too often linked only to economic and social rights.
The ICC – breach in the dyke, or high water mark?
The International Criminal Court has failed to live up to expectations that it would mark the end of impunity. Beset by controversy, and its continued relevance ...
Introducing this week's theme: The International Criminal Court - from a troubled past, what future for International Justice?
By: David Petrasek & Archana Pandya
The Rome Statute established the ICC with an independent Prosecutor and a robust and comprehensive mandate to end impunity for the worst crimes. But now, after ...
Beyond the courts – protecting economic and social rights
By: Irene Khan & David Petrasek
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The overlapping and interdependent nature of human rights suggests efforts to protect only some rights in law are misguided. The reason for legalizing economic ...
A do and don’t do list for the new High Commissioner
A new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has just been appointed - Prince Zeid, Jordan’s UN Ambassador in New York. He will need to move quickly to improve the ...
R2P – hindrance not a help in the Syrian crisis
By: David Petrasek
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The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine has failed to build an international consensus for action to protect civilians in Syria. Worse, R2P’s implicit support ...
New powers won’t play by old rules
Expecting new global powers to promote human rights abroad via the United Nations assumes that they will play by the old rules and - if such pressure is to be effective ...