Alison Des Forges 2025 Symposium on “Israel and Palestine: Human Rights and Configurations for the Future”.

Symposium April 3, 2025: The Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee presents its annual symposium, Israel and Palestine: Human Rights and Configurations for the Future. This symposium addresses the human rights implications raised by the current conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah. It will examine the limitations of the international system that has sustained the conflict. We ask what alternative configurations can be imagined to secure political and human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians? This symposium, honors the life and work of human rights activist Alison Des Forges (1942-2009). See ADFMC event page.

Contact: Ellen Dussourd
 dussourd@buffalo.edu

The symposium is organized by the Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee.  The group is dedicated to honoring the memory of Dr. Alison Liebhafsky Des Forges, an inspirational and tireless crusader for human rights around the world. The Committee seeks to continue Alison’s quest "to educate people about the injustices in the world and the part we all must play as members of an increasingly interdependent global community."

2025 Symposium Sponsors: Alison Des Forges Memorial Committee; Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York; University at Buffalo: The Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy; Departments of Comparative Literature, Global Gender and Sexuality Studies, History, and Political Science; Gender Institute; Humanities Institute; James Agee Chair in American Culture; Office of the Vice Provost for International Education; School of Public Health and Health Professions.

Zoom image: Symposium April 3, 2025: The Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee presents its annual symposium, Israel and Palestine: Human Rights and Configurations for the Future. This symposium addresses the human rights implications raised by the current conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah. It will examine the limitations of the international system that has sustained the conflict. We ask what alternative configurations can be imagined to secure political and human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians? Symposium April 3, 2025: The Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee presents its annual symposium, Israel and Palestine: Human Rights and Configurations for the Future. This symposium addresses the human rights implications raised by the current conflict between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah. It will examine the limitations of the international system that has sustained the conflict. We ask what alternative configurations can be imagined to secure political and human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians?

Related Content

  • Magazine feature — Alison Des Forges: A passion for justice
    5/27/21
    Even now, it is difficult to grasp how the courageous activism of Alison Des Forges continues to inspire people. This article seeks to add context to Alison's interdisciplinary scholarship in the global arena of law and social policy. Perspective is provided by Roger Des Forges, Helene Kramer, and Irving Massey. Together, they became key components in forming an educational enterprise that would do justice to Alison’s memory. Today, that enterprise is a solid foundation for sustaining community activities, one of which has become an annual international symposium.
  • Podcast discussion — Roger Des Forges, Ellen Dussourd, and Shaun Irlam
    4/21/21
    Episode 14 of our podcast series is about the work of the Alison L. Des Forges Memorial Committee, and its international symposia held at the University at Buffalo. Beginning in 2012, the symposia has been sponsored, in part, by The Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy. This episode features Roger Des Forges, the group's co-founder. He is joined in discussion with the Committee co-chairs, Ellen Dussourd and Shaun Irlam. Together, they offer insight on aspects of sustaining the Alison Des Forges International Symposia.