In a world where democracy is already in decline, the coronavirus is further embolding leaders to expand their power and reduce the basic rights and freedoms of their people. Freedom House reports that since the pandemic began, the condition of democracy and human rights has become worse in 80 countries. The effects are particularly severe in struggling democracies and repressive states.
FUF Uppsala therefore invites you to a seminar on the effects that covid-19 has had on democracy and human rights issues all over the world. The seminar will take place over zoom.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Palina Kolvani is an associate researcher at the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute. She holds a MS in Political Science from the University of Gothenburg and is one of the researchers working on the Pandemic Backsliding Project. The project tracks state responses to the Covid-19 pandemic in 144 countries to pin down how the pandemic puts democracy at risk. At the seminar, Kolvani will present the latest findings from the project released in early October.
Hans Ingvar Roth is a professor of Human Rights at the Institute of Turkish Studies at Stockholm University. He holds a PhD in Ethics from Lund University, a Master of Letters in Philosophy from University of Oxford, a BA in Political Science, Philosophy, Peace and Conflict Studies from Uppsala University and a MA in History and Religious Studies from Stockholm University. Roth is also an associate professor in Ethics at Lund University. He is a regular contributor to newspapers such as Svenska Dagbladet and Dixit. During the seminar, Roth will talk about how the current pandemic affects human rights.
At the end of the seminar we will open up for questions and discussion. The seminar will be held in English.
Last day to sign up for the seminar is Monday 30/11. The event is free of charge.
(Sources: Foreign Affairs, Freedom House)
