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Homepage > Projects > Forum 2000 Conferences > 2011 > Program > Democracy and the Rule of Law

Democracy and the Rule of Law

Below you will find the description of all the events listed chronologically as they will take place.

 

Perspectives of Democracy and the Rule of Law in the 21st Century

Panel
Monday, October 10, 2011, 10.15–11.45, Žofín Palace, Forum Hall
 
Participants: Jacques Rupnik, Adam Michnik, John Agyekum Kufuor, Michael Žantovský, Marites Vitug, Vartan Gregorian
 
In a democratic society, the respect for the rule of law guarantees that neither government nor any person is above the law, and that an individual cannot be punished by the state except for a breach of the law. The rule of law is a precondition for a fully functioning democracy as well as good governance and individual freedom.
 
  • What are the necessary elements of the rule of law?
  • What is the perception of the democratic rule of law in different cultures around the world?
  • What are the defining principles and main challenges for the rule of law in the 21st century?

 

Connecting Generations

Roundtable
In cooperation with the Czech Safer Internet National Centre
Monday, October 10, 2011, 12.30–14.00, Goethe-Institut, Seminary Room
 
Participants: Maria Ivanova, Marek Ehrenberger, Kamila Brožová, Tomáš Botlík, Aleš Sedláček, Zdeněk Metoděj Záliš
 
Children have a right to communicate using the plethora of web-based technologies. However, their voice is neglected when setting and respecting children’s rights on the internet. Adults employ mentoring and commands instead of dialogue. This event invites children to describe their experience with on- and off-line communication with older generations and should confront the positions of adults on the safe use of the internet. The participants of the debate should find and define new approaches to connecting generations in the virtual and real world. It should contribute to a mutual recognition of the basic rules of intergenerational dialog based on understanding and respect of the law.
 
  • Speak with us! - what kind of dialog do children expect?
  • How to merge the online skills of children with the life experiences of adults in a dialog?
  • Are the rights of a child in the real world different to those in the virtual world?
  • What can children and adults do to ensure safer use of the internet?

 

Democracy and the Rule of Law: Legality vs. Legitimacy?

Panel
Monday, October 10, 2011, 14.30–16.00, Žofín Palace, Forum Hall
 
Participants: Mikheil Saakashvili, Pavel Rychetský, Jan Urban, Olusegun Obasanjo, Grigory Yavlinsky, José María Argueta
 
A number of countries around the world regularly hold elections, follow all the rules and legal procedures, their constitutions stipulate divisions of power and other key democratic principles. Yet many of these countries cannot be considered true democracies, as the legal processes are simply formalities. Similarly, abuse of human rights and freedoms are often committed in accordance with the letter (not the spirit) of the law, leading to “legal injustice”.
 
  • How real is the threat of a “hollowing” of democracy?
  • How can civil society contribute to a better perception of the rule of law?
  • Is the role of ethical principles in the legal system eroding?
  • How does the threat of international terrorism impact basic human rights and freedoms?

 

Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Women Leaders in Tomorrow's World

Panel
In cooperation with CERGE-EI and International Herald Tribune
Monday, October 10, 2011, 16.15–17.45, Goethe-Institut
 
Participants: Jan Bubeník, Susan Walton, Stephanie Shirley, Mariko Gakiya, Magdalena Vášáryová
 
The past half-century has seen a revolution in most of the developed world in the prominence and power of women in both corporate and political spheres. To some, this has been a tremendous success; to others, not enough has been done.
 
  • What does “success“ mean? How will we know when we are there?
  • What further policy reforms, if any, are needed in what societies to encourage socially optimal outcomes?
  • Can we even reach agreement on what outcomes are socially optimal? If so, how and on what?

 

Law and the Individual

Panel
Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 14.30–16.00, Žofín Palace, Forum Hall
 
Participants: André Glucksmann, Surendra Munshi, Aryeh Neier, Tatsiana Reviaka, Vadim Klyuvgant, Bobo Lo
 
Human rights and citizens´ rights are perceived differently throughout the world. The relationship between the state and its citizens differs significantly even among Western countries. In Russia, which faces significant human rights problems, the protection of consumers´ rights, economic rights and environmental rights has become an important element of civic mobilization. In countries such as China, with large industrial workforces, the defense of social rights is becoming an issue.
 
  • What consequences will these developments have on the perception of human rights and civil liberties?
  • What is the impact of the international human rights movement for the human rights situation in countries such as China or Russia?
  • To what extent is the concept of human rights universal?

 

The Fate of Female Political Prisoners and the Rule of Law

Panel Discussion
In cooperation with Politicalprisoners.eu
Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 18.00–19.30, Academy of Sciences
 
Participants: Tomáš Bouška, Hana Truncová, Anita Lackenberger
 
The theme of women political prisoners is important both for the recent Czechoslovak past and the current period of global uncertainty. The stories presented of female political prisoners document many specifics of political oppression committed against women – the psychological pressure, separation from family and relatives, sexual violence and stigmatization. Mrs. Hana Truncová will share with us her experiences as a former political prisoner. These will be supplemented by a presentation of the new documentary project K. Ch. about a sexually abused female political prisoner. Crimes committed against women often become a taboo. This will be discussed by Mrs. Anita Lackenberger, a director of the Austrian production company “Produktion West“, in relation to women abducted from Austria to Soviet Gulags.
 
  • Is there enough public attention given to female oppression?
  • How do they deal with it? Is there any difference between men and women in the way they are oppressed or abused?
  • Does our society need to be protected by taboos about violence committed on women?

 

How to Bring More Women into Politics and Leadership? Gender Quotas, Yes or No?

Panel Discussion
In cooperation with Forum 50 %
Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 18.00–19.30, Goethe-Institut
 
Participants: Jana Šmídová, Maria Ivanova, Hana Havelková, Jana Smiggels Kavková
 
The under-representation of women in leadership is a central theme of today’s gender debates. The aim of this discussion is to map the possibilities of improving the current situation. Among others, the pros and cons of quotas (favored by the European Commission) will be discussed. The implementation of quotas is now being discussed in the Czech Republic where a bill is under proposal to introduce the obligation to select political nominees to ensure a more balanced representation of women.   
 
  • What is your opinion on the current representation of women in decision-making?
  • What is the situation in the country you live in?
  • Do you think it is necessary to implement measures to increase the number of women in decision-making? What would they be? Should they differ in politics and in business?
  • Is a common EU policy necessary, or is it an internal affair of individual member states?

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