Are human rights under attack by the Trump administration? In recent months, efforts have been made to prevent the arrival of refugees, there have been attacks on the press and the independence of the judiciary, and there has been a global gag rule on reproductive rights. Meanshile, in a number of countries in Europe, authoritarian populists are on the rise promoting aggressively xenophobic and nationalistic policies.

At this event, Human Rights Watch Deputy Executive Director Iain Levine discussed with USSC lecturer Dr Gorana Grgic the protection of human rights during a time of great hostility and even greater need. How do we address these assaults on international norms and human rights in the US, Europe and here in Australia? What role should be played by global institutions like the United Nations? How can democracy and the rule of law protect the rights of minorities – refugees, Muslims, LGBT people and others? And what is the role of civil society and non-governmental organisations like Human Rights Watch in this changing world?