8th Conference on Human Rights

Venue: Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

Date: Tuesday - Wednesday, 12-13 August 2025

Abstract:

As opportunities in the energy sector arise to enhance environmental and economic well-being, this transition also risks marginalizing vulnerable communities through land dispossession, loss of livelihoods, and inequitable access to energy resources, particularly if implemented without adequate safeguards and community participation. These challenges are exacerbated by the ongoing democratic regression in several countries, where consolidations of power are curbing civil liberties, suppressing dissent, rising populism and weakening institutional checks and balances. The convergence of these factors risks entrenching inequalities, eroding the rule of law, and undermining human rights across the region. A rights-based approach that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in both energy and technology transitions is crucial. Ensuring that these transitions do not exacerbate existing injustices, while simultaneously addressing the democratic backsliding in the region, is essential for safeguarding human rights in Asia and beyond.

This conference will highlight the following issues as key discussions:

1) Human rights-based approach to construct inclusive policy development ensuring fair access, equitable distribution and environmental justice;

2) Balancing innovation with ethical consideration to navigate the complex relationship between technology and human rights;

3) Prevent setbacks in human rights protection by defending democratic institutions, enhancing transparency and protecting fundamental freedom;

4) Promote human rights education among policymakers, business and the public to build a culture of respect and accountability.

Conference hosts

This conference is co-hosted by the Airlangga Center of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) Faculty of Law at the Universitas Airlangga, the Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration (CHRM2) at the University of Jember, the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) at the University of Sydney, the Indonesian Consortium for Human Rights Lecturers (SEPAHAM) Indonesia, the National Commission on Human Rights (KOMNAS HAM), and the Indonesian Scholar Network on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ISFORB).

Convenors

1. Dr. Iman Prihandono, Dean Faculty of Law, Universitas Airlangga.
2. Dr. Al Khanif, Centre for Human Rights, Multiculturalism, and Migration at the University of Jember.
3. Professor Simon Butt, The Sydney University Law School
4. Sydney Southeast Asia Centre at the University of Sydney.
   
   

Conference Streams

1. Energy transition, climate change mitigation, and ecological justice
2. Business and human rights
3. Human rights and technology
4. Democracy, authoritarianism, civil society, and public participation
5. Social inclusion, disability, and human rights
6. Indigeneity, marginalization, and cities development
7. Displacement, migration and human rights
8. Criminal law and access to justice
9. Citizenship and human rights
10. Protection to human rights defenders
11. Arts, culture, and human rights
12. The right to health
13. Religion and human rights
14. Children's rights and access to education
15. Science, ethics, and human rights
16. Gender and human rights
17. Human rights education and advocacy
18. Bahasa Indonesia submission (untuk abstrak dan presentasi dalam Bahasa Indonesia)

Conference format

• In person only (plenary & parallel/panel sessions), not available online
• Panel session in Bahasa Indonesia

Conference Timeline

• Call for abstract: 2 December 2024 - 20 February 2025
• Announcement of selected abstracts: 28 February 2025
• Full paper submissions: 28 February – 1 June 2025
• Selection of best papers: 14 July 2025
• Conference: 12-13 August 2025
• Academic writing workshop: 14 August 2025

Registration deadlines

Presenter registration: by the end of July 2025
Non-presenter registration: by the end of July 2025

Conference inquiries
Email: E. Prajwalita Widiati: epwidiati@fh.unair.ac.id
For post-conference publication: Al Khanif: al_khanif@unej.ac.id