The 2006 Conference

“The Reality of Human Rights in International Development: Theoretical and Field-Based Perspectives.”

Keynote address by Dr. Paul Farmer, Director, MD, PhD, Director, Program in Infectious Disease and Social Change, Harvard University, Founding Director, Partners In Health.

NYU Wagner’s annual International Public Service Association (IPSA) conference provides an opportunity for students, academics and practitioners to explore critical policy questions surrounding international development and trans-national public service. Many leading NGOs and donor-organizations have adopted a Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to international development.Rejecting previous approaches defined in terms of economic growth, HRBA places NGOs in the role of promoting the economic, social and cultural rights of underdeveloped communities. Is it appropriate to define these rights as “human rights?” How does the switch to HRBA change an NGO’s programming in the field? Is the switch to HRBA a needed revision of development theory or is a dangerous version of mission creep?

This event is made possible with support from NYU Wagner’s Office of International Programs and the NYU Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Collaborative partners include the Wagner Student Association and the Stern School of Business Student Corporation.

Thursday, April 20th, 2006
12:45pm – 6:30pm

New York University’s Shorin Performance Studio
Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Sq S, 8th Floor
295 Lafayette Street