[Photo: Thematic Session from the WHRCF2017]
 

Preview 2018 World Human Rights Cities Forum

In the upcoming 2018 World Human Rights Cities Forum, thematic sessions consist of nine areas including △City and Environment △Social Economy and Community Vitalization △City and Gender △City and the Elderly △City and Child/Youth Education △Migrants/Refugees and Human Rights △City and Peace △Disability and Human Rights △State Violence and Human Rights. Each session sets up a theme in various areas of human rights of which all ultimately overlap with the overall theme of the WHRCF2018, ‘Whom do we live with? - Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Peace’.

Under the main theme of the forum ‘Whom Do We Live With? – Diversity, Inclusiveness, and Peace’, we will talk about ‘Violations of Women’s Human Rights by States and in Situations of Conflict’ during the City and Gender thematic session. This session will provide us with the opportunity to search for ways to protect women’s rights from all forms of violence including sexual assault occurring in armed disputes. The session will tackle issues such as how in troubled parts of the world, and under the pretext of national interest, women’s bodies have been mobilized and exploited. We hope that the session will serve as a platform to remind governments of their responsibilities and obligations to protect human rights as well as citizens’ rights to life and safety. Such actions would serve as a huge step towards states fulfilling their responsibilities as opposed to the increasingly relevant trends of state mechanisms procrastinating decisions for or just plainly disregarding violations against women’s rights. This session will be held from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM on October 19^th.
 

On the same day from 1PM, the following session will contemplate much needed ways for both the young and elderly generations to live in harmony in readiness for our rapidly aging society. As a nation, Korea has almost become a fully aged society. However, the concepts of unconditional respect for the elderly can no longer be relied upon. This is attributable to the fact that the patriarchal system has lost its strength over time due to changes in the industrial structure and the emergence of diverse values and subcultures. We need to find out about and learn from cases of advanced aged societies that have achieved intergenerational integration while ensuring the rights of the elderly. It is also imperative to concurrently seek solutions necessary to integrate generations in both cities and rural communities throughout Korea.
 

On the third day of the forum, October 20th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we will discuss the topic of ‘Do we live in terms of gender equality with migrants/refugees?’ Alongside gender equality experts as well as field activists, we will discuss cases of gender equality for immigrant women who stories as sexual harassment and sexual violence victims go unnoticed by local government authorities due to difficulties of their language barrier and legal status. In addition, we will discuss about the current situation and ways to reduce cases of sexual harassment, particularly amongst immigrant and refugee women.

You can review the entire concept note of the thematic sessions, △City and Gender △City and the Elderly △Migrants/Refugees and Human Rights, through our official website(whrcf.org).