Abstract
The paper juxtaposes two apparently divergent case studies, with the co-authors presenting on-the-ground evidence of the emerging, powerful role human rights can play as a change catalyst in environmental and social policy making to the benefit marginalized communities. This is based on two case studies: The first of the San People of South Africa in their decades-long (successful) effort to acquire, as traditional knowledge holders, a fair share of the commercial benefits derived from the hoodie plant of southern Africa. The second of Canadian queer community’s (successful) advances over recent decades to challenge systemic policies of marginalization and discrimination at the hands of successive governments. What are the lessons learned from such distinct groups residing half a world away from one another and living, respectively, in the so-called developing and developed worlds? What are the implications for others seeking to address the global problems and challenges through local action and community leadership? What are the implications for development practitioners seeking to harness the power of human-rights for social and environmental well-being? And what do such case studies of success mean for the future of global sustainable development policymaking?
Presenters
Timothy James HodgesProfessor, Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University, Quebec, Canada Mark L. Berlin
Professor , Institute for the Study of International Development, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
HUMAN RIGHTS; ENVIRONMENT; SOCIAL JUSTICE; LOCAL COMMUNITIES; INDIGENOUS PEOPLES; LGBT
