THE Thomas D’Arcy McGee Summer School will return to Carlingford next week for its annual celebration of the Carlingford-born 19th century Irish republican, writer and politician who played a crucial role in forming the Canadian Federation.
Reflecting the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt’s words on the origins of human rights - “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home” - the Thomas D’Arcy McGee Summer School seeks to emphasise the idea that the fight for human rights begins in small places like Carlingford and communities across the world.
This year’s programme of events runs from August 13 to 14 at Carlingford Heritage Centre and will focus on the critical challenges facing human rights today.
Guest scholars and activists appearing will include:
- Colin Harvey: Professor of Human Rights Law at Queen’s University Belfast, member of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. He will speak on the origins of human rights as currently defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Charter of Human Rights
Read more:
- Monica McWilliams: Founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, delegate to the Good Friday Agreement, and Emeritus Professor at Ulster University. She will speak on rights-based governance and the importance of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland on a Shared Island
- Alyson Kilpatrick: Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, with extensive experience in human rights advocacy and legal advising. She will speak on holding states to account, putting the European Charter of Human Rights into effect, human rights and the Good Friday Agreement, and ensuring legislators can be held to account
- Niall Muldoon: Ireland’s Ombudsman for Children, dedicated to ensuring the rights of vulnerable children and young people are respected
- Gideon Levy (online): Award-winning Israeli journalist and author known for his work on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, including his book The Punishment of Gaza. He will speak on being a voice for human rights in the face of war
- Bulelani Mfaco: South African activist advocating for asylum seekers’ rights in Ireland and campaigning for systemic changes in the treatment of asylum seekers. He will speak on human rights, immigration and asylum seekers.
- Turlough O’Donnell: Senior Counsel specialising in mediation, conflict resolution, and restorative justice. He will speak on human rights, justice and keeping hope.
- David A Wilson: Historian and biographer of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, providing valuable historical context to the discussions
These speakers will engage participants in critical discussions, offering insights and strategies to reinforce human rights at every level of society.
On August 13, Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth will be honoured with an award from the School for her work in representing Canadian interests, advancing bilateral relations and managing programs and services for Canadian citizens and businesses in Ireland.
August 13′s evening programme will also feature a production of The Trial of John Mitchel (and his statue) before the Court of History by Anthony Russell, performed by Newry’s Newpoint Players at the Heritage Centre.
Billed as “a thought-provoking drama that re-examines Mitchel’s legacy”, this stage play resurrects John Mitchel to face charges of crimes against humanity, with historical figures like Padraic Pearse and Sir Charles Gavin Duffy as his defence and prosecution, and the audience serving as the jury.