Has the protection of human rights gone out of fashion?

The global institutions that were established to uphold a rules-based international order and protect human rights are facing unprecedented challenges. Amnesty International has sounded the alarm, warning that the system is failing and that the very concept of human rights is under threat. At the same time, political leaders from around the world have gathered at the Munich Security Conference to discuss some of the most pressing conflicts and security challenges facing the globe. Among the key topics of discussion is the rise of nationalism, the erosion of international cooperation, and the growing disregard for international law. President Donald Trump of the United States has been at the center of much of this debate, as he has made it clear that he intends to pursue an “America First” agenda, which often seems to disregard the rules and norms that have governed international relations for decades.

This shift in approach has left many in the international community uncertain about the future of global governance and the role of international institutions. The idea of a rules-based order, where nations agree on certain principles and norms to guide their behavior, is increasingly being called into question. Some have begun to wonder whether the concept of mutually agreed rights and wrongs is becoming irrelevant in a world where powerful nations are increasingly pursuing their own interests without regard for the consequences. This tension is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the realm of human rights, where the United States, under President Trump, has been accused of undermining global efforts to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.

The Munich Security Conference, a forum where political leaders and experts gather to discuss international security challenges, has provided a platform for these issues to be debated. The conference has brought together a diverse group of voices, including human rights barristers, activists, and policymakers, all of whom are grappling with the implications of the current global trends. Geoffrey Robertson, a renowned human rights barrister and former United Nations war crimes judge, has been a vocal advocate for the importance of upholding international law and protecting human rights. He has argued that the current erosion of these principles is not only a moral failure but also a threat to global stability and security.

Moataz el-Fegiery, the vice president of EuroMed Rights, has also weighed in on the debate, highlighting the impact of the current trends on vulnerable communities. He has emphasized the need for international cooperation and solidarity in the face of rising nationalism and xenophobia. Hussein Khalid, a human rights lawyer and executive director of VOCAL Africa, has brought a regional perspective to the discussion, pointing out the ways in which the weakening of international institutions has emboldened authoritarian leaders and undermined human rights efforts in Africa.

One of the key questions being asked at the conference is what the rise of Trump’s “America First” agenda means for the future of international institutions. Many have expressed concern that the United States, which has historically been a leading advocate for a rules-based order, is now actively undermining the very institutions it helped to create. This has left a vacuum of leadership, which other nations and actors are struggling to fill. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, and many are worried about the potential consequences for global stability, human rights, and the ability to address pressing challenges like climate change and pandemics.

Despite the many challenges, there are still voices of hope and resilience within the international community. Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and concerned citizens around the world are mobilizing to defend the principles of a rules-based order and to hold leaders accountable for their actions. The discussion at the Munich Security Conference is a testament to the enduring importance of these principles and the need for continued dialogue and cooperation in the face of growing threats. While the road ahead is uncertain, the collective efforts of those who believe in the importance of human rights and international law offer a glimmer of hope for a more just and equitable world.