May 23–24 2014, a two-day workshop held at the University of Vienna convenes for the first time scholars active in research on the history of European human rights leagues. The workshop follows up on a research project on the history of the Österreichische Liga für Menschenrechte (Austrian League of Human Rights), funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) 2008–2011, and is organised in cooperation with the Austrian League of Human Rights by project director Professor Wolfgang Schmale and project collaborator Dr Christopher Treiblmayr (Department of History, University of Vienna).
The foundation of the Ligue française pour la défense des droits de l'homme et du citoyen in 1898 entailed the establishment of human rights leagues in numerous other countries. In 1922, the Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme (FIDH) was established as their umbrella organisation. When the FIDH had to suspend its work during the Second World War, European emigrants in New York founded the International League for Human Rights (formerly International League for the Rights of Man) in 1941. So far, hardly any research has been carried out on the interrelations, cooperation and networks between the various national human rights leagues which appear to have constituted part of a “European Civil Society”.
We cordially invite scholars who conducted research on the history of the FIDH, the Belgian, Bulgarian, Czechoslovak/Czech, Danish, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Swiss, Spanish, or other human rights leagues to submit their proposals. Additionally, we also address scholars specialising in the aforementioned International League for Human Rights. The 30-minute lectures should cover the history and background of the respective organisations and, if traceable, their international relations. The chronological emphasis should be put on on the period before 1945, post-war developments may however be considered.
To submit a proposal, please send your abstract, including a short resume and a list of publications to Christopher Treiblmayr at christopher.treiblmayr@univie.ac.at by 14 February 2014. Successful applicants will be informed by 28 February 2014.
The working language will be English. The workshop is kindly supported by the Department of History, University of Vienna, the Dean’s office of the Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna, the Research Focus: “Historical and Cultural European Studies”, the Research Focus: “History of Women and Gender” (both: Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies, University of Vienna), and the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism.
After arrival and registration of the participants, the event will be officially opened in the early afternoon by Dr Barbara Helige, president of the Austrian League of Human Rights, followed by presentations of Professor Wolfgang Schmale, Christopher Treiblmayr on the Austrian League, Professor William D. Irvine (York University, Toronto) on the French League, and a further speaker focussing on the history of the FIDH. The evening comes to a close with a joint dinner of all workshop participants. The second day is scheduled for presentations on other national leagues and will include a lunch buffet, coffee breaks and a champagne reception in the evening. These events will provide ample opportunity for professional and personal exchange.