Conference of Human Rights: immigration and famous French politician

Famous French politician and Professor of Political Science Dominique Reynié, himself will participate at the annual Conference of Human Rights on 9 December in Tallinn.

The sixth edition of the event will focus on two topical issues of international concern:

• migration with a main focus on immigration issues;
• propaganda, as it related to freedom of speech.

This year’s topics include a public opinion survey on human rights conducted among Estonians, and among new immigrants living in Estonia regarding their assessment of human rights and their acclimation to Estonia. We will speak about collective rights and propaganda, which have changed people’s understanding about fundamental rights.

In light of the migration crisis, we will ask, “Who is European and who has the right to be European?” And we will also examine whether, in a Europe of increasingly contradictory ideologies, the concept of universal human rights is still viable.

Dominique Reynié will discuss with Thilo Sarrazin German writer, politician and a former member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank about the migration crisis that has raised questions related to human rights and made many people doubt the fundamental values of the European Union, while raising issues related to the freedom of speech and expression. Based on the universality of human rights and discussing European values, we must ask, “Who is European and who has the right to be European?” We will examine whether the spread of extremist ideologies has caused a crisis in freedom of speech and expression.

We are interested in whether a uniform and effectively functioning Europe is even possible, when various political forces, as well as various ideas and cultures are vigorously confronting each other in neighbouring states. Populism has become a normal part of the public discourse in societies undergoing change, and many oppositional forces are seeking the support of the people.

By invitation only.