At this critical juncture, the global human rights movement requires a more strategic, unified response to the rising challenges and fundamental rights regressions worldwide. Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations, conveyed this urgency during her public lecture at the University of Pretoria, titled ‘The Future of Human Rights in a Changing World Order’, delivered on 12 March 2025, in anticipation of South Africa’s Human Rights Day on the 21st. March is a month dedicated to commemorating human rights nationally, fostering awareness and reflection.
Nowrojee’s address urged immediate action, reflecting on the status of human rights in South Africa and beyond amid increasing violations. She emphasised that current human rights frameworks may no longer suffice in addressing these escalating injustices, prompting deeper contemplation on their effectiveness. With threats to human rights growing, particularly due to technological and socio-economic developments, she pointed towards a landscape where privacy and personal freedom are under siege.
The need for a reimagined human rights framework is paramount. Nowrojee highlighted the importance of integrating intersectionality to address the rights of marginalised communities and advocate for emerging rights such as a healthy environment and digital privacy. Human rights, she insisted, should evolve dynamically to meet contemporary societal needs.
Binaifer Nowrojee, President of Open Society Foundations, addressed urgent human rights challenges in a public lecture at the University of Pretoria. Highlighting the need for a unified global response, she proposed six critical shifts for the human rights movement: community engagement, modernisation of methods, intersectional analysis, generational advocacy, digital rights focus, and transnational solidarity. Nowrojee urged action amidst growing violations and complexities posed by technology, emphasizing the necessity of evolving human rights frameworks.
In summary, Binaifer Nowrojee’s compelling call to action underlines the pressing need for a revitalisation of the human rights movement through strategic shifts that focus on community-driven approaches, modern methods, and intersectional analysis. The future of human rights is not solely for today but calls for foresight towards generations to come, especially as technological advancements continue to challenge existing frameworks. Collective efforts and transnational solidarity are essential in navigating these complex challenges and ensuring human rights remain at the heart of global discourse, inviting us all to forge ahead with renewed dedication.
Original Source: www.newswise.com
