Open Access Book

Human Rights Politics: An Introduction

Foreword by Dr. Michaela Lissowsky

In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed. It was a milestone for the protection of human rights worldwide. And yet, more than 75 years later the world faces wars, terrorist attacks, disinformation, climate change, and populist threats to democracies. As a result, human rights are ignored and restricted—again and again.

We must stand up to this and defend the achievements of liberal democracy and the rule of law. They are the only political and legal frameworks that ensure the realization of human rights. But how can this urgently needed defense of human rights succeed? How can human rights be implemented and promoted around the globe?

A targeted and effective human rights approach to politics is one answer: one that is pursued at various political levels to combat inequalities, achieve gender equality, and empower women, that guarantees access to justice, promotes inclusive societies and sustainable development, and builds accountable institutions at all political levels.
Policymakers, human rights defenders, activists, and academics worldwide need to read “Human Rights Politics—An Introduction” by Professor Michael Krennerich.

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s Human Rights Hub in Geneva is pleased to support the publication and the dissemination of this important guide to human rights politics. It demonstrates the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to human rights, from challenging oppression to empowering marginalized groups and fostering a world where universal human rights really do apply to all.
Geneva, December 2023