Book Event on “Latin American International Law in the Twenty-First Century” – Harvard Law School | Human Rights Program

Report on the Book Event: Latin American International Law and its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview and Strategic Alignment with the 2030 Agenda

An academic event has been announced to discuss the publication “Latin American International Law in the Twenty-First Century.” The discussion will focus on the significant and innovative contributions of Latin America to the field of international law. This analysis is framed within the context of shifting geopolitical dynamics and the region’s historical relationship with international legal norms. The event’s core objective is to explore how these regional legal developments directly support the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning justice, equality, and environmental sustainability.

Key Discussion Areas and Their Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

The panel will delve into specific advancements in Latin American international law, examining their impact on global efforts to achieve a sustainable future. The primary thematic areas are intrinsically linked to several SDGs:

• Human Rights and Transitional Justice: The discussion will analyze progress in human rights law and transitional justice mechanisms. These efforts are fundamental to achieving SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which seeks to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all.
• Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: The event will highlight the evolution of legal frameworks protecting the rights of indigenous peoples. This is a critical component of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which calls for the empowerment and inclusion of all individuals and communities.
• Climate Justice: The conversation will address Latin America’s contributions to the concept of climate justice. This directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by advocating for equitable and just responses to climate change that protect vulnerable populations.

Profile of Expert Panelists

The event features a panel of distinguished scholars whose work contributes significantly to fields related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Arnulf Becker Lorca: His research on the intellectual history of international law from the perspective of the Global South provides critical insights for fostering inclusive institutions as outlined in SDG 16.
2. Alejandro Chehtman: With expertise in international criminal law and transitional justice, his work directly informs strategies for building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, a key target of SDG 16.
3. Alexandra Huneeus: Her research on international law and rights movements in Latin America examines the practical application of legal frameworks that advance both SDG 10 and SDG 16.
4. Kathryn Sikkink: As a leading expert on human rights policy and transitional justice, her work is central to measuring and understanding the impact of policies aimed at achieving SDG 16.
5. Abadir Ibrahim (Moderator): His research on diverse approaches to human rights promotes a more inclusive global dialogue, essential for the universal achievement of all SDGs.

Organizational Collaboration in Support of SDG 17

This event is organized by The Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School and co-sponsored by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS). This collaboration exemplifies the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to share knowledge and expertise in pursuit of sustainable development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article is centered on a discussion of “Latin American International Law,” with a specific focus on “human rights,” “transitional justice,” and the development of legal doctrines. These topics are fundamental to SDG 16, which aims to promote the rule of law, ensure access to justice, and build effective, accountable institutions.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article explicitly mentions “indigenous peoples’ rights” as a key area of advancement in Latin American international law. This directly connects to SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequality by empowering and promoting the social and political inclusion of all, including marginalized groups like indigenous peoples.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The conversation described in the article will delve into “advancements in the fields of… climate justice.” This links the discussion to SDG 13, as the development of legal frameworks for climate justice is a critical component of global and regional efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The entire event focuses on the evolution and influence of “international law” in Latin America, particularly in fields like “human rights” and “transitional justice,” which are essential for upholding the rule of law and providing access to justice.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. The discussion on “human rights” and “indigenous peoples’ rights” directly relates to the protection of fundamental freedoms as established through international legal frameworks.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard. The focus on “advancements in the fields of… indigenous peoples’ rights” implies a discussion on creating and strengthening legislation to protect these communities from discrimination and ensure their rights are upheld.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article’s mention of “climate justice” points to the development of legal principles and frameworks. Such legal advancements are designed to be integrated into national and international policies to address climate change comprehensively.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being an announcement for a scholarly event, does not provide quantitative data but implies qualitative indicators for measuring progress.

1. For Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law):

   • Implied Indicator: The development and influence of legal doctrines and approaches in international law. The article highlights that Latin America has been a “pivotal site for influential and innovative developments in international law” and the book event itself is a forum to discuss these “approaches, developments, and contributions.” Progress can be measured by the creation and adoption of these legal frameworks concerning human rights and transitional justice.

2. For Target 10.3 (Ensure equal opportunity):

   • Implied Indicator: The existence of specific legal advancements for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights. The article points to a discussion on “specific advancements in the fields of… indigenous peoples’ rights.” The establishment and recognition of these rights within international and national law serve as a direct indicator of progress.

3. For Target 13.2 (Integrate climate change measures):

   • Implied Indicator: The development of legal frameworks related to climate justice. The article’s reference to “advancements in the fields of… climate justice” suggests that progress is being made in creating legal principles that can guide policy and action on climate change. The existence and sophistication of these legal doctrines serve as an indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hrp.law.harvard.edu