The Purpose of Education and the Role of the State - The Proper Role of the State

Since the end of World War Two, there has been an international effort to codify human rights in legal instruments, allowing them to be enforced across borders. Treaties, constitutions, laws and declarations have been issued to make the global protection of human rights an effort of all nations. The fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, religion and expression are considered the first and most important of these human rights, yet it is here that during the past decade we have seen a marked increase in exactly these rights being undermined and trampled upon, and not only in undemocratic societies. In medicine, both for practitioners and patients, the right of conscientious objection is continually being further limited. The persecution of especially Christians around the world has exploded and the tool of government censorship is back again now also in democratic societies.

This series will discuss definitions, concrete examples of this deterioration, the main human rights instruments they violate, and explore what measures can be taken to turn the tide.

Introduction:
1. The main human rights instruments
Definitions and violations:
2. Freedom of Conscience
3. Freedom of Religion
4. Freedom of Speech
Defending freedom of conscience, religion and speech:
5. Successful legal cases
6. Successful policy initiatives

The podcast episodes are hosted by Dr. Christiaan Alting von Geusau, Professor of Law and Education, President of the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) and Managing Director of Ambrose Advice e.U. He writes and speaks extensively on the topic of human rights and fundamental freedoms. You may access some of his lectures, interviews and presentations here.