Globalization Ethics and Human Rights

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and United Nation's Former High Commissioner for Human Rights was the keynote speaker of the 2007 Douglas M. Schair Memorial Lecture on Genocide and Human Rights on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the University of Southern Maine's Abromson Community Education Center in Portland. Robinson spoke on Globalization Ethics and Human Rights. The lecture was free and open to the public. The Dunfey Group was one of several co-sponsors of the program.

About Mary Robinson

As the first woman president of Ireland (1990-1997), Mary Robinson championed the rights of the poor and of women. In 2005, Time magazine included her amongst the World's 100 Most Influential People. Time's J. McAllister described her as one who "has a judge's rectitude, a campaigner's zeal, the warmth of an old friend - and an acute sense of how to focus the global spotlight on a cause." In 2005 Mary Robinson was also amongst Glamour magazine's Women of the Year - "the heroes who inspired you most."

Today, as head of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, Robinson campaigns for equitable trade with developing countries and working to protect the rights of migrants, AIDS victims, and others who do not have the economic means or political power to defend themselves. Robinson holds countless positions including the Honorary President of Oxfam, member of the UN Global Commission on International Migration, Vice President of Club of Madrid - an independent organization of current and former heads of state dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world, and chairs Women in Leadership's Council of Women World Leaders.

She served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. Before her election as President of Ireland, Robinson served as a Senator for 20 years. In 1969 she became Reid Professor of Constitutional Law at Trinity College of Dublin and now serves as Chancellor of Dublin University. Educated at Trinity College and called to the bar in 1967, Robinson also holds law degrees from the King's Inns of Dublin and Harvard University.

The event was sponsored by The Hudson Foundation in memory of Douglas M. Schair with The Academic Council for Post-Holocaust Christian, Jewish, and Islamic Studies at the University of Southern Maine.

Co-Sponsors

The event's co-sponsors include: TD Banknorth, Portland Press Herald, Dunfey Group, Maine Humanities Council, Marcus, Clegg and Mistretta, PA, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Irish American Club of Maine, the Maine Irish Heritage Center and The Armenian Cultural Association.