On Tuesday 15 May 2018, the Law Society of Ireland was honoured to host the Annual Human Rights Lecture in the Presidents’ Hall at Blackhall Place.

Opening the lecture, President of the Law Society of Ireland Michael Quinlan said, “The Annual Human Rights Lecture is organised by the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society and seeks to promote consciousness of human rights law and practice among its members and the public.”

“The Law Society of Ireland believes that debate and discussion at these lectures enhance and enrich understanding, and also encourages consideration of how human rights can be promoted and protected.”

“Much of the focus around Brexit has been on the economic impact that it will bring but it is also necessary to consider the implications for human rights and just how far reaching they will be.”

Introducing the chair of the event, CEO of Dublin Chamber of Commerce Mary Rose Burke, Mr Quinlan noted that, “Dublin Chamber of Commerce speaks on behalf of business in the greater Dublin region promoting a competitive and internationalised business environment and providing extensive networks for business development. The Chamber is a leader in the development of a strong vision for a successful and sustainable Dublin region.”

Professor Fiona de Londras, inaugural Professor of Global Legal Studies at the University of Birmingham and Deputy Head of Birmingham Law School, was the lecture’s guest speaker.

In his remarks, Mr Quinlan said, “We are truly delighted to welcome Professor de Londras and look forward to her thought-provoking and insightful perspective on human rights.”

“Author or editor of more than a dozen books and over sixty articles and chapters, Professor de Londras is internationally recognised for her work on human rights, comparative constitutional law, and counter-terrorism.”

“Her research has been funded by the European Commission, the British Academy, the Leverhulme Trust, and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Foundation. She is the 2017 recipient of the Philip Leverhulme Prize awarded to outstanding early career researchers whose work has already attracted international recognition and whose future career is exceptionally promising. This will support her research from 2018 to 2021.”

• Read the full text of Professor de Londras’ lecture.

Photographs from the event

You can view or download pictures from the 2018 Human Rights Lecture below. Click on an image to view it in a larger window.