This bi-annual event consists of a keynote by an expert in the field of Human Rights, followed by the presentation of the Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award.

The event is dedicated to International Human Rights Day. This is to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed on December 10th 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly. This year the UDHR turns 75.

The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Rianne Letschert, president of Maastricht University. In her keynote she will emphasize the importance of a strong link between scientific research and impact driven activities in the field of human rights. What can we say about the recognition and rewards of these activities 75 years since the adoption of the UDHR? She will do so by presenting her own personal story and struggles in pursuing this and by explaining the necessity of a fundamental reorientation of the way academics are being recognized and rewarded in their work.

After the keynote, the Max van der Stoel Human Rights Award will be presented for the best PhD and the best Master-thesis or article in the field of human rights in the Netherland and Belgium.