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The Institute on Human Rights is designed to cover a wide range of human rights topics, including the principles of human rights and human dignity from Christian theological perspectives, as well as international human rights instruments and protection mechanisms.
Dr Mathews George Chunakara, general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia, stated: “In a world that is rife with gross human rights violations and is marred by a divisive and discriminatory socio-political climate, we are called to combat this epidemic of human rights violations and reiterate our commitment to uphold the values of human dignity while establishing a culture of human rights.”
The institute is geared toward young people, especially pastors and church workers, who want to be empowered and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to be defenders of human rights in their communities.
Jennifer Philpot-Nissen, programme executive for Human Rights and Disarmament for the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on International Affairs, spoke during two sessions of the institute, explaining the UN system and encouraging the 28 students attending to engage in defending human rights.
Philpot-Nissen was among 15 resource persons speaking at the institute, including human rights educators, human rights defenders, social scientists, and legal luminaries who have specialised in international human rights laws, human rights protection mechanisms, and international human rights advocacy.
