On Tuesday, 18 June 2024, Ulster University’s Belfast Campus hosted a one-day workshop, bringing together civil society, policymakers, and academics to reflect on the current state of human rights protection, with a particular focus on the role of positive obligations in the protection of human rights. The event, organised by the Transitional Justice Institute and the Human Rights Consortium, supported by the AHRC Impact Accelerator Account at Ulster University, provided a platform for discussion and analysis from academics and practitioners.

A keynote address from Dr Vladislava Stoyanova of Lund University on “Positive Obligations and the European Convention on Human Rights” provided a comprehensive introduction to the interaction between positive obligations and the European Convention and an excellent start to the workshop. Following this, Nuala Toman from Disability Action, Dr Gillian Kane of Ulster University, and Caitriona Mackel of Ulster University discussed the practical implications of positive obligations on particular rights holders. After a break, the second panel discussion included contributions from Alan Brecknell from the Pat Finucane Centre, Elaine Crory from the Women’s Resource and Development Agency, and Professor Rory O’Connell of Ulster University for further reflections on the role of positive obligations.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Kevin Hanratty, Director of the Human Rights Consortium. For those who could not attend, the recorded sessions are available for viewing below.