Human Rights in the Americas Symposium: An Examination of Past, Present, and Future
Bettinger-López, Caroline, Ezer, Tamar, Vaxter, Shantanice, Garry, Hannah, Bartle, Alexzandrea, Brewster, Austin, Findley, Brittany, Garcia-Velez, Ana, Kiliment, Andrew, Kruger, Christian, Potgornik Ferreira, Ana Luiza, Matherne, Abigail, Nadal, Genice, Niño Junyent, Lucia, Rizvi, Yasmin, Sarmientos, Amanda, Schutzen, Megan, Spehl, Roberta, White, Sara & Williams, Meg
Abstract
Human Rights in the Americas Symposium: An Examination of Past, Present, and Future documents a week-long convening hosted by the University of Miami School of Law in November 2025, held in conjunctions with the 194th Period of Sessions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Symposium brought together scholars, advocates, policymakers, students, artists, and community members to assess the evolution, current challenges, and future trajectory of human rights in the Americas. Through interdisciplinary panels, thematic hearings, artistic exhibitions, and community-based engagements, participants examined pressing regional issues, including democratic backsliding, migration, housing justice, racial and gender inequality, environmental harm, and threats to civic space. These discussions highlighted a growing gap between established human rights norms and lived realities, underscoring the need for stronger implementation, accountability, and locally grounded strategies.
This Report captures both the substantive insights and the methodological approach of the Symposium, which integrated legal analysis with lived experience, storytelling, and community engagement. Ultimately, this Report serves as a resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand and advance human rights protections across the Americas.