The 2013 Sheehy Skeffington School (twitter #SSkeff13) took place on Saturday 20th April in Liberty Hall, Dublin. There are lots of people to thank for what we hope was an interesting, informative and inspiring day. Mention must go to the speakers, panelists, session chairs and Donal for his performance. We wish to thank those involved with organising and running the venue, the bar area, and the catering. We acknowledge the support of our donors who made it possible to run the event. Last, and certainly not least, thanks to you who attended or sent messages of support. The Sheehy Skeffington School is a one day event providing an opportunity to discuss human rights approaches to achieve the fundamental freedoms and entitlements that contribute to the development of a flourishing society. The school takes place against a backdrop of growing economic inequality, democratic failure and societal uncertainty. A focus of the school is to broaden and spread the discussion about human rights beyond the confines of those traditionally concerned with the promotion and protection of rights. The school is based on an understanding of human rights as an evolving process comprising equality of esteem, respect for individual and group dignity, commitment to human development and an end to ill-treatment and oppression. The school is conceived in the belief that human rights can provide a common language for the voiceless in an age where the principles of religion, the potential of socialism and the surety of democracy may have lost their authority.
Speakers, presentation topics, and downloadable presentations available here
1913 was a significant year in the establishment of labour rights in Ireland. A summary of the events of 1913 can be found here