Future of human rights: Viadrina students active in Vilnius!

Future of human rights: Viadrina students active in Vilnius!

Vilnius, Litauen - On May 26, 2025, an international intensive course for law students from the Viadrina took place at the Mykolas Romeris University in Vilnius. The course under the direction of Prof. Dr. Stefan Haack was carried out, addressed central questions of human rights today. Particular attention was paid to the challenges of climate change, artificial intelligence and the spread of fake news. The title of the course was "Navigating The Future of Human Rights: Challenges, Innovations & Advocacy in A Changing World" and was part of the Blended Intensive Program (GDP) of the European University Hallalliaz Erua.

A valuable addition to the course was a lecture on the Vilnius 'award' as the "Green Capital of Europe" in 2025, which was awarded due to the present sustainability concept and climate protection measures. During this lecture in the Vilnius City Municipality Building, the students were introduced to the various approaches that contribute to promoting the environment and human rights.

practical experiences and intercultural exchange

The participants of the course also experienced an excursion to the former state prison in Lukiškės. There they were able to discuss the human rights situation in European prisons after a lecture on the rights. The differences in the conditions of detention between different European countries were discussed. Prof. Dr. Stefan Haack also gave an informative lecture on the state of emergency within the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Basic Law.

In addition, the students reported on their enriching experiences, professional training and intercultural exchange. The encounters with law students from Poland and Italy promoted the understanding of cross -border legal and ethical challenges.

artificial intelligence in the context of human rights

Another interesting aspect that resulted from the specialist knowledge of the participants and the current developments is the contract for artificial intelligence that 36 countries signed. This agreement, which is considered from the perspective of human rights and ethical standards, aims to regulate the effects of artificial intelligence on social coexistence. Increased focus on the integration of human rights into technological processes is considered essential to follow the fundamental rights to protect and legal guidelines. Computer Week offers further information about this, which has summarized the most important points for this contract ( Computerwoche ).

climate change and human rights

A crucial challenge, however, remains climate change and its effects on human rights. As the Institute for Human Rights shows in detail, the quality of climate protection and adaptation measures can have a direct impact on whether and how the effects of climate change affect or violate human rights. The active and informed participation of those affected in political decision -making processes is of great importance to develop human rights -based policies that the young generation should also include. In view of the alarming threats from climate change, these considerations have a special urgency ( Institute for Human Rights ).

The combination of legal education, intercultural exchange and the exchange about social challenges of today offers prospective lawyers decisive insights in order to be able to actively counter the challenges of the future.