Invest in ICAAD, Invest in Innovation: Using Technology to Promote Human Rights

Invest in ICAAD, Invest in Innovation: Using Technology to Promote Human Rights – Part I

Highlights:

Global Classroom on Structural Discrimination
Expanding use of Virtual Dialogue to Reach Audiences Globally

As we near the end of 2012, we are releasing a three part series discussing how ICAAD uses technology, leveraged partnerships, and an interdisciplinary approach to foster an innovative systems approach to addressing structural discrimination globally.

Albert Einstein once said, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” In the age of drones, nuclear weapons and other aids to mass destruction, it is easy to view our technological progress as regress. However, the scale of advancement of health, information sharing, and almost every other sector of life, of good, is almost immeasurable. This progress has been slow in the realm of human rights, and the legal and monitoring systems that exist often lack connectivity or enforcement. It is time for the fight for human rights to catch up and turn the tide against inequality.

We believe that resolving these structural issues on a large scale can be accomplished by using a systems approach through our Global Webbed Network. ICAAD’s systems approach uses technology to identify structural discrimination, bridge the gap in information between UN mechanisms and advocates on the ground, and to link vulnerable communities with resources necessary to change the existing discriminatory policies and practices.

Global Classroom on Structural Discrimination

As part of its Global Classroom on Structural Discrimination, ICAAD recently launched its interactive map that tracks structural discrimination globally through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The map will become a tool for advocates and students, not only providing identification of structural discrimination, but also providing White Papers (strategic policy papers) for addressing the issues. The map is being populated by lawyers, students, and NGO advocates, and is organically leading to the formation of dialogue and partnerships with universities, law firms, NGOs, and UN systems.

Expanding use of Virtual Dialogue to Reach Audiences GloballyUsing virtual dialogue through an online collaborative platform is a means to directly connect with local NGOs and advocates who are building grassroots movements, changing policy, or pursuing litigation to identify where resources are most needed. As our interactive map is populated, our outreach with local NGOs is imperative to devise joint White Papers. This way, we will bring our expertise in international law and other resources to assist our local partners, while incorporating the nuances of the local legal system and policies into our strategy.In one example of the use of Virtual Dialogue, Hansdeep Singh recently presented to students from five schools in the U.S. and Canada in an event hosted by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation (TBFF). Click here to read more.

Invest in ICAAD, Invest in Innovation: Using Technology to Promote Human Rights – Part I