"Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian?" (PROGRAMME) 8-DEC-2017

“Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian?“

December 8th, 2017 Hotel “Corner“ Room “Terra“ (Ground Floor)

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?“, which will take place on December 8th, 2017 (Friday)

Organizers: Coalition of Human Rights Organizations, National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL

Sponsors: Ministry of Social Security and Labour

at 10 AM – 1 PM at the hotel “Corner“ (room „Terra“, ground floor) (T. Ševčenkos St. 16, Vilnius)..

Please register for the event before December 7th at the following address: http://goo.gl/forms/pXhb8vyz8L

Seminar-Discussion: “Human Rights: Universal, but not Lithuanian? “ Overview 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 nongovernmental 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 nongovernmental organizations will discuss human rights issues particularly relevant under the present day social and political conditions in Lithuania, namely: (1) human rights agenda of the Lithuanian Parliament after the general elections in 2016; (2) lack of effective response to the negative phenomenon of hate crimes and hate speech; (3) necessity of introducing gender reassignment procedure in Lithuania.

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.

Why to attend? 



 

Who should come?   

The event will be in English and Lithuanian (simultaneous translation). The event is partially funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor.

“There are two items of news – bad and good. Bad – apparently sometimes we just die. Good – we do not die instantly. At least our dignity stays with others – even if just for a while.

Dignity dies last.“ - Prof. Leonidas Donskis The event will take place at: Hotel “Corner“, room “Terra“ (ground floor) (T. Ševčenkos St. 16, Vilnius)

www.ztok.lt

To get acquainted with NGOs‘ positions regarding the most pressing human rights issues in Lithuania.

To draw legislators‘, policy and decision makers‘ attention to the necessity of developing comprehensive national policies on equal opportunities in accordance with the constitutional principles.

To raise awareness about specific human rights issues.

To promote the networking of local equality and diversityoriented NGOs with the view of formulating common positions on the core human rights issues.

  

Civil society representatives Legislators, policy and decision makers Representatives of institutions responsible for the execution of national equality policies Members of marginalized social groups Members of the academic community General public

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

Event Details

09:30 Welcome coffee and registration 10:00 Opening Remarks:

Aušrinė Armonaitė (Member of The European Affairs Committee in the Lithuanian Parliament) Jūratė Juškaitė (Editor in Chief of manoteises.lt) 10:20 Presentation:

Human Rights Situation in Lithuania in 2017: from Istanbul Convention to Law on Strengthening Families Birutė Sabatauskaitė (Lithuanian Center for Human Rights)

Date:

December 8th (Friday) 2017

Time:

10 AM – 1 PM

Place:

Hotel “Corner“ Room „Terra“ (ground floor) (T. Ševčenkos St. 16, Vilnius)

10:50 Presentation:

Hate Crimes and Hate Speech in Lithuania: Tendencies and Recommendations for Public Institutions Kristina Normantaitė (Human Rights Monitoring Institute)

www.facebook.com/events/49 8999450471991 www.facebook.com/ZTOkoalicija www.facebook.com/LGL.LT

11:20 Presentation:

Legislation on Legal Gender Recognition: Now or Never? Tomas Vytautas Raskevičius (National LGBT* Rights Organization LGL) 11:50 Questions and Discussion:

Moderated by Mindaugas Jackevičius (journalist, delfi.lt) 12:30 Concluding Observations:

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen (Member of the Human Rights Committee in the Lithuanian Parliament) (TBC) Agneta Skardžiuvienė (Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson of the Republic of Lithuania) Dovilė Šakalienė (Member of the Education and Science Committee in the Lithuanian Parliament) (TBC) 13:00 Light lunch at the restaurant “Element“ The event will be continued by the national conference of the National Equality and Diversity Forum (NEDF).

www.ztok.lt

www.ztok.lt

Contact Person Kamila Gasinska kamila@gay.lt +370 600 54163