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CONFERENCE THEME
Equality and Democracy in Challenging Times
Liberal democracies are commonly understood to rest on equality, dignity, and freedom as their foundational principles. Yet, in the current global context, these values are under increasing strain. As the world marks the 60th anniversary of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, it is timely to reflect on how the “fundamental rights triangle” and its relationship to democracy have evolved, adapted, and, at times, been contested.[1]
Over the past decades, exogenous and endogenous transformations – ranging from globalization, neoliberalism, economic crises, and technological innovation to migration, environmental challenges, aging societies, authoritarian tendencies, populist movements, and geopolitical instability – have reshaped the terrain in which equality and other liberal democratic values are realized. These shifts have produced both advances and setbacks, with new forms of inequality, exclusion, and discrimination emerging alongside significant legal and institutional progress.
At the heart of these debates lies the question of equality and anti-discrimination law. On the one hand, persistent calls have been made for comprehensive equality frameworks capable of translating international commitments into actionable and enforceable rights at the national level. On the other hand, growing evidence of backlash and resistance has emerged, as some states and political actors contest or attempt to roll back existing protections.
The role of equality and anti-discrimination law in democratic societies therefore requires renewed scrutiny. A central concern of this conference is precisely its contribution to fostering democratic resilience. Examining how equality law contributes to democratic resilience – whether through institutional design, judicial practice, or civic engagement – offers a vital perspective on the future of democracy under conditions of pressure: How has equality law evolved in response to contemporary challenges to democracy? To what extent can equality law function as a tool not only for protecting individuals against discrimination but also for strengthening democracy itself? How should we understand the relationship between equality, freedom, and dignity as foundational principles of democracy? And how can legal scholars, policymakers, and civil society engage with the backlashes that define today’s struggles over equality and democratic legitimacy?
[1] Susanne Baer, Dignity Liberty, Equality: A Fundamental Rights Triangle of Constitutionalism, 59 U. Toronto L.J. 417 (2009)
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