An expert in law will launch his latest book at The Hive next month, shedding light on the way United Nations member states assess each other’s human rights records.
Dr Michael Lane, Lecturer in Law at the University of Worcester, will explore the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a unique UN process in which countries’ human rights situations are reviewed not by independent experts or judges, but by other states.
Taking place every four-and-a-half years, the review includes all UN member states and is the only global human rights monitoring system with universal participation. Despite this, it has attracted criticism for the political nature of countries evaluating one another.
Following the UK’s 2012 review, one MP remarked: “This is so ridiculous it’s laughable. It’s like being lectured by Atilla the Hun on the peaceful co-existence of nations. All we need now is Syria to criticise us on our human rights record and the joke would be complete.”
At the event on 1 October 6-7.30pm, Dr Lane will explain how the system works, and why it matters. He said: “The event is of course an opportunity for me to share research from my new book, but my main aim is to help the public understand what the review is, how it works, and how it impacts us all.”
Dr Lane’s book has been positively received by his peers. It has been described as ‘an insightful masterpiece’ and a ‘a ground breaking study offering innovative assessment tools and profound insights into the Universal Periodic Review’s impact’.
Although the book is aimed at students and academics, Dr Lane said this event will be very accessible and is aimed at the general public.
“I’m doing lots of events with the book which will be more academically focussed,” said Dr Lane. “But I was really keen to bring an event to The Hive which was aimed at people who don’t have an academic background in international human rights law but are still interested in rights, power and politics.”
Places at the event are free, but booking is recommended. Book your ticket on The Hive’s website.
Dr Lane’s book can be purchased in paperback or read for free online via Bristol University Press’s website here.