Opportunities for Advancing U.S. Human Rights Post-UPR​ (GEOS)

DESCRIPTION

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process by which all UN Member States undergo a review of their human rights records and supply recommendations for improvement. It is a way to hold each other, and ourselves, accountable to this fundamental value. In fact, the U.S., and particularly Eleanor Roosevelt, was critical in the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Despite this, many human rights are still not realized for all people within the U.S. UNA-USA and its chapters held consultations ahead of the U.S. UPR, which was conducted in November. These reports identified human rights issues related to gun violence, climate change, election integrity, criminal justice reform, race, gender, sexual orientation, human trafficking, migrants, and more. Join us as we discuss the importance of the U.S. living up to the principles of the UDHR, implementing the UPR recommendations, and how everyday Americans can become advocates.

You can view UPR repots submitted by UNA-USA and its chapters

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

First elected to Congress in 1996, Jim has fought tirelessly for the people of Massachusetts and has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues – including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who named him Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee during the 116th Congress. 

He is a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight. He also serves as the Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and is the Democratic Co-Chair of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission – both of which monitor, investigate and advocate on behalf of international human rights, the rule of law, and good governance. Read more

Jordie Hannum, Executive Director, Better World Campaign

Jordie Hannum has almost 20 years of legislative, analytical, and advocacy experience, including key roles on Capitol Hill, political campaigns, and within NGOs. As Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, he guides its legislative and advocacy efforts around support for the United Nations.  During his tenure, Mr. Hannum has testified in front of Congress on the UN’s value and its peacekeeping operations; traveled to South Sudan, DR Congo and Uganda researching civilian protection; and written on the importance of U.S. engagement in peacekeeping  and the role peacekeeping operations play in reducing displacement. Read more

Joshua Cooper, Dean of Global Leadership Academy for Human Rights Advocacy

London Bell, Founder and President, Bell Global Justice Institute

London is a native Detroiter, lawyer, community organizer, activist, and humanitarian with specific educational training in international human rights law and policy and international business and trade law. She has focused her career advocating for policy changes on behalf of diverse communities. She is the Founder and President of Bell Global Justice Institute, a non-governmental organization based in Detroit focused on advancing and promoting the human rights of women and girls. London worked with her UNA Greater Detroit Chapter and other UNA-USA chapters on two UPR consultations and reports.