JCU Professor Silvia Scarpa and Student Eleonora Cammarano Present Paper at Human Rights Conference

From April 30 to May 2, JCU Professor Silvia Scarpa and student Eleonora Cammarano participated in the Challenging Borders in Domestic and International Human Rights Conference held at Albion College (Albion, Michigan, USA). They had the chance to present their research on “Climate Change and Contemporary Forms of Slavery: Guidelines on Relevant International Standards.” The research was founded on the premise that there is a clear bi-directional link between the effects of climate change and contemporary forms of slavery. However, this is hardly recognized in international prevention and protection standards applicable to victims of contemporary forms of slavery who are dispossessed or forced to move due to climate change.

The Conference was supported by the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and the Global Liberal Arts Alliance (GLAA), and it involved faculty, students, and community leaders from partner institutions from all over the world. It aimed to discuss the existing borders in human rights research and practice.

The Conference provided participants with a sound learning environment and with multiple opportunities to discuss human rights challenges in panels, workshops, poster presentations, optional tours, and a documentary screening. Professor Scarpa commented on the importance of involving students in both academic and non-academic matters related to the organization of the Conference “as a way to empower the next generation of global human rights defenders and foster young students’ interest in cross-cutting human rights issues.” Quoting Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Nelson Mandela, Professor Scarpa emphasized the role of education as “the most powerful weapon to change the world.” “Participating in the Challenging Borders in Domestic and International Human Rights Conference hosted at Albion College was an incredible experience,” said student Eleonora Cammarano. “It was not only academically enriching, but also served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between individuals from different disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds as we work towards advancing human rights protections across borders.”