Seminar-Discussion “Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian?“

  • Date: 8 Dec 2017 Time: 10:00 Location: "Corner" hotel T. Ševčenkos g. 16 Vilnius
Seminar-Discussion “Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian?“

On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the Coalition of Human Rights Organizations and the National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL cordially invite to the seminar-discussion “Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian?“. As pointed out by non-governmental organizations that monitor and document human rights situation in Lithuania, the paradigm of limitations and interferences is being consolidated on the current political agenda in our country. In the battle against the country‘s worsening demographic situation, politicians often forget that respect for each person‘s fundamental human rights, freedoms and dignity is a prerequisite for ensuring that anyone can feel welcome in Lithuania.

During the event, representatives from non-governmental organizations will discuss human rights issues particularly relevant under the present day social and political conditions in Lithuania, namely:

(1) “Human Rights Situation in Lithuania in 2017: from Istanbul Convention to Law on Strengthening Families” (presented by Birutė Sabatauskaitė, Lithuanian Center for Human Rights);
(2) “Hate Crimes and Hate Speech in Lithuania: Tendencies and Recommendations for Public Institutions” (presented by Kristina Normantaitė, Human Rights Monitoring Institute);
(3) “Legislation on Legal Gender Recognition: Now or Never?” (presented by Tomas Vytautas Raskevičius, National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL).

The participants of the event will be welcomed by the Ombudsperson of the Equal Opportunities Agneta Skardžiuvienė, the Member of the Lithuanian Parliament Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Member of the Lithuanian Parliament Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen (TBC) and the Member of the Lithuanian Parliament Dovilė Šakalienė. The discussion will be moderated by Mindaugas Jackevičius (journalist, DELFI.lt).

The languages of the event will be Lithuanian and English (synchronised translation).

The programme of the event in English can be reviewed here:

The event on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/events/498999450471991.

By registering online (until December 7th, 2017) you can assist us in estimating, how many participants we can greet with a cup of coffee and a light lunch. You can do it here: http://goo.gl/forms/pXhb8vyz8L.

1.On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, the Coalition of Human Rights Organizations would like to raise awareness by the general public, legislators and policy makers about the current legislative initiatives that seek to limit the fundamental rights and freedoms, for example, ban on abortions, narrow definition of the legal concepts of “family” and “family life” and limitations on the right to recognition of gender identity. We are hopeful that our event will contribute to the constructive public discussion about these topics.

The event is partially funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor.