Attend The Future of Human Rights on

November 9th 2017, 3:00pm

Phelps-Stokes Auditorium 

Dr. Simmons, a Political Science and law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the roots of human rights and how human rights became an international priority. She details how and why the United States has both assisted and resisted international human rights laws around the world. Simmons suggests that there is hope that human rights could thrive under certain conditions. Begley-Van Cleve Lecture.

If you enjoyed her presentation today, check out her book we have available on display near the cafe!

Mobilizing for Human Rights by Beth A. Simmons
Call Number: Call Number 341.48 S592m 2009 (3rd Floor)
Publication Date: 2009
This volume argues that international human rights law has made a positive contribution to the realization of human rights in much of the world. Although governments sometimes ratify human rights treaties, gambling that they will experience little pressure to comply with them, this is not typically the case. Focusing on rights stakeholders rather than the United Nations or state pressure, Beth Simmons demonstrates through a combination of statistical analyses and case studies that the ratification of treaties leads to better rights practices on average. Simmons argues that international human rights law should get more practical and rhetorical support from the international community as a supplement to broader efforts to address conflict, development, and democratization.