The 28th Annual Conference of the UAEU College of Law brings together experts, academia, international
organizations, indigenous groups and civil society to present, promote and discuss
the latest thinking and developments of the various expressions of the values of tolerance,
inclusivity and coexistence.
Since the adoption of the UN Charter, there have been worldwide efforts to protect
human rights and foster the values of coexistence across the globe and within national
societies. However, in recent years, we have also seen a rise in populism and xenophobia
in some parts of the world, which begs the question: what does it take to build truly
inclusive, tolerant societies? In this Conference, the participants discuss answers
to this question under the following themes:
Islamic and Legal Perspectives on Tolerance and Inclusivity
This theme brings together Islamic scholars and experts in Islamic civilization and
law to speak about Islam’s role – past, present, and future – in the understanding
and promotion of tolerance and inclusivity, as well as the forms and applications
of tolerance and inclusivity in Islamic heritage and contemporary legal legislation,
clarifying its effects on the lives of individuals and building societies, consolidating
its position in contemporary reality.
Tolerance by Design
In today’s information society, characterized by ubiquitous computing and where machines
are increasingly thinking and acting humanly, it is essential to proactively integrate
tolerance in the design and operation of new technologies. The scope of this interdisciplinary
theme includes the following research topics: the legal and ethical components of
tolerance; the legal and ethical foundations of a tolerance by design principle; the
role of industrial and business standards; implementation challenges; domain-specific
case studies; and enforcement and remedies.
The Role of International Instruments
The United Nations Charter states: 'We, the peoples of the United Nations determined
to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, ... to reaffirm faith in fundamental
human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, ... and for these ends
to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbors'.
There is an explicit link between the protection of human rights and practicing tolerance
in the UN Charter, and various international conventions, treaties, and declarations
have been adopted to promote these rights and values. However, there appears to also
be a concurrent rise in hate speech, intolerance, and, indeed, violations of human
rights in some parts of the world. What are the obstacles to the successful implementation
of international human rights instruments? What is their future role? And how can
they be used to further the values of tolerance and inclusivity especially in the
aftermath of conflicts?
Including the Excluded
Intolerance and exclusion might be reflected not only in the attitudes of individuals
but also in law and policy. In some parts of the world, minorities, indigenous peoples,
refugees and forced migrants, and women have borne the brunt of intolerant attitudes
and policies. What is the effect of the exclusion of certain groups? How has law and
policy furthered their exclusion, and how can this be remedied? And how have traditionally
excluded groups advanced the issues of significance to their communities?
