photo by Michaela Hackner
“One of the strongest voices for human rights in the world today.” This is how Carol Bellamy, President and CEO of World Learning, introduced Mary Robinson as the featured speaker of World Learning’s citizen diplomacy panel on March 14. The event, held at Georgetown University, was the first in a three-part discussion series co-sponsored by Georgetown’s Mortara Center of International Studies and the Aspen Institute. The panel also included Ms. Bellamy and Carol Lancaster, Director of the Mortara Center.
Addressing an audience of some 300 students, activists, development professionals and others, Mary Robinson spoke about the intersection of citizen diplomacy and human rights based on her experiences as President of Ireland (1990-1997), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and, most recently, as member of the distinguished set of global diplomats known as The Elders.
She spoke of her work at the UN on the ethical questions and challenges surrounding international migration, focusing on both the “push” and “pull” factors that lead to migration and can often lead to a “brain drain” in developing countries. In particular, Robinson emphasized concerns about the migration of health workers from developing countries to the US and other developed nations, leaving people in sending countries without the basic human right of access to a functional health care system. She spoke of the need for bilateral agreements and a global code of practice to address this dangerous trend.
Joking that her invitation to become an “Elder” was, at first blush, “traumatic,” Robinson spoke of her recent efforts as a member of this distinguished group that includes Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and Mohammed Yunus, among other global leaders. “Citizen diplomacy,” she emphasized, “has to be based on shared values,” values that are too often not upheld or recognized by all. Just as village elders traditionally reminded communities of their values, so can The Elders help remind the world of its shared values and commitment to human rights. She held up and read from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, as the closest we have to a document that captures these shared human values for all to uphold and understand.
Robinson concluded by speaking of a campaign by The Elders called Every Human Has Rights and called on audience members and others to visit www.everyhumanhasrights.org and sign a pledge to take responsibility as citizens for upholding human rights for all. A lively question-and-answer session followed.
World Learning’s discussion series will continue April 22 at Georgetown with a half-day set of panels focused on the question, “What is the Promise of Citizen Diplomacy”? The event, which includes NGO leaders, academics, foreign service professionals, and US government staff, will feature Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, 13th District, speaking of the importance of strategic communications and dialogue in shaping global attitudes.
