Education for Human Rights

Schedule of Events:

8:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 — 9:05 a.m. Selection from members of the UConn Voices of Freedom Gospel Choir

9:05 a.m. Welcoming Remarks and Introduction of Ambassador Sisulu by President Philip E. Austin

9:10 a.m. Greetings by H.E. Ambassador Sheila Sisulu, South African Ambassador to the United States

9:15 a.m. President Austin to introduce UNESCO Representative, Dr. Rudolf Joo

9:20 a.m. Official Conference Opening by Ambassador Rudolf Joo, Director, UNESCO Division of Human Rights, Democracy, Peace and Tolerance

9:35 a.m. Introduction of Keynote Speaker by Prof. Amii Omara-Otunnu, Executive Director, UConn-ANC Partnership and Director, Comparative Human Rights Institute

9:40 — 10:15 Keynote Address by The Honorable Naledi Pandor, Chairperson National Council of Provinces, South African Parliament

“The Role of Democratic Governance in Achieving Human Rights Education”

10:15 a.m. Break

10:30 — 12:00 First Plenary Session on South Africa:

Speakers:

Mr. Lionel Basil Davis, former political prisoner on Robben Island, artist, and educator-at-large.

Professor Rolf Stumpf, Vice Rector (Teaching), University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, and a proponent of transformation in education.

Professor Derrick Swartz, Vice Chancellor, University of Fort Hare, South Africa, and a champion of higher education reform.

Mr. Mukesh Vassen, former student leader and anti-apartheid activist, currently Research Assistant to the Speaker of the South African Parliament.

Chaired by Prof. Nasila Rembe, UNESCO “Oliver Tambo” Chair of Human Rights, University of Fort Hare, South Africa, and human rights educator

12:10 p.m. Luncheon, South Ballroom

Special Luncheon for High School Students

Mr. Meshack Masuku, ceramic artist, award-winning adult learner, and lecturer at Port Elizabeth Technikon, South Africa.

1:30 — 3:00 Second Plenary Session: USA, China, Middle East

Speakers:

Mr. Xiao Qiang, Executive Director of Human Rights in China and a leading advocate, activist and human rights educator.

Dr. Galia Golan, Professor of Government, Policy and Diplomacy, Dean of the Recanati International School of the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzlia, and activist, for peace and women’s rights.

Mr. Raji Sourani, Director General, Palestinian Center for Human Rights, and human rights advocate.

Dr. Allison M. Dussias, Professor, New England School of Law, and specialist in Native American Law.

Chaired by Dr. Nell Newton, Dean of the University of Connecticut School of Law

3:00 p.m. Break

3:15 — 4:15 General Plenary Session: Questions and Answers

All the Speakers

Chaired by Prof. Amii Omara-Otunnu

4:20 p.m. Introduction of Concluding Speaker by Chancellor John Petersen

4:25 — 4:45 Concluding Address by Prof. Donald Spivey

“Higher Than Hope: Education and the Dilemma of Liberation”