An online lecture was held with the support of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center: "Protection of human rights in the context of armed conflict" by Mercedes Somocierra

On February 20th, 2024, at 15:00, an enlightening online lecture titled "Protection of Human Rights in Armed Conflict" was conducted with the support of Transatlantic Dialogue Center on the Zoom platform, featuring the esteemed Mercedes Somocierra as the keynote speaker. Ms. Somocierra, a distinguished Argentine lawyer and a pivotal member of the Latin American Association for Peace Studies (CLAIP), shared her profound insights and expertise on a topic of critical importance to the global community.

Mercedes Somocierra, who also serves in the Ministry of Security of Argentina, brought to the lecture her extensive experience and dedication to the field of human rights. As the co-author of the recently published book Teaching Peace amidst Conflict and Postcolonialism (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2023), Ms. Somocierra has established herself as a leading voice in advocating for peace and human rights education within conflict and postcolonial contexts.

In 2011, Ms. Somocierra's commitment to human rights education was further recognized when she was appointed as a researcher by the Human Rights Institute of the National University of La Plata. Her task was to assess the situation of human rights education in secondary schools across the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, highlighting her dedication to fostering a culture of peace and understanding from the ground up.

During the lecture, Ms. Somocierra delved into the complexities of protecting human rights within the context of armed conflicts, drawing upon her rich background in legal studies, human rights advocacy, and peace education. She emphasized the critical role of international law and institutions in safeguarding civilians and non-combatants, and the importance of education in building resilient societies that can withstand the pressures of conflict and postcolonial legacies.

Participants were offered a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies involved in promoting human rights in areas affected by conflict. Ms. Somocierra provided practical examples and case studies, illustrating the ways in which individuals and communities can contribute to a culture of peace and justice, even in the most adverse conditions.

This online lecture not only served as a platform for learning and discussion but also as a call to action for all participants to contribute to the global effort to protect and promote human rights in times of armed conflict. Mercedes Somocierra's message was clear: education, awareness, and active engagement are key to building a more peaceful and just world.