Rights Beyond Words: Mapping Human Rights Scholar-Organization Partnerships

• In Event: Rethinking Sovereignty, Power and Justice from a Critical Perspective

Abstract

Human rights scholars often seek to do more than simply study rights issues. Many are also engaged in the advocacy of human rights; they are interested in putting their research skills and knowledge at the service of human rights organizations and influence related policy outcomes. While the studies on human rights organizations (HRO) have been burgeoning, there is little attention to the work of scholars in these organizations. This paper focuses on HRO-scholar relationships and examines them critically. In addition to highlighting some major forms of HRO-scholar collaboration and convergence of interests, the paper draws attention to three potential areas of tension. The ultimate goal is to develop a typology of HRO-scholar relations and identify the types that would minimize tensions, improve the effectiveness of collaborative work, and help influence human rights policies formulated by states and intergovernmental organizations.

Authors

• Zehra F. Kabasakal Arat, University of Connecticut-Storrs

• Shareen Hertel, University of Connecticut