Human Rights in the Americas Symposium: An Examination of Past, Present, and Future

Authors

• Caroline Bettinger-López, University of Miami School of Law
• Tamar Ezer, University of Miami School of Law
• Shantanice Vaxter, University of Miami School of Law
• Hannah Garry, University of Southern California Gould School of Law
• Alexzandrea Bartle, University of Miami School of Law
• Austin Brewster, University of Southern California Gould School of Law
• Brittany Findley, University of Miami School of Law
• Ana Garcia-Velez, University of Miami School of Law
• Andrew Kiliment, University of Miami School of Law
• Christian Kruger, University of Southern California Gould School of Law
• Ana Luiza Potgornik Ferreira, University of Miami School of Law
• Abigail Matherne, University of Miami School of Law
• Genice Nadal, University of Miami School of Law
• Lucia Niño Junyent, University of Miami School of Law
• Yasmin Rizvi, University of Miami School of Law
• Amanda Sarmientos, University of Miami School of Law
• Megan Schutzen, University of Miami School of Law
• Roberta Spehl, University of Miami School of Law
• Sara White, University of Miami School of Law
• Meg Williams, University of Miami School of Law

Abstract

Human Rights in the Americas Symposium: An Examination of Past, Present, and Future documents a week-long convening hosted by the University of Miami School of Law in November 2025, held in conjunctions with the 194th Period of Sessions of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Symposium brought together scholars, advocates, policymakers, students, artists, and community members to assess the evolution, current challenges, and future trajectory of human rights in the Americas.

Through interdisciplinary panels, thematic hearings, artistic exhibitions, and community-based engagements, participants examined pressing regional issues, including democratic backsliding, migration, housing justice, racial and gender inequality, environmental harm, and threats to civic space. These discussions highlighted a growing gap between established human rights norms and lived realities, underscoring the need for stronger implementation, accountability, and locally grounded strategies.

This Report captures both the substantive insights and the methodological approach of the Symposium, which integrated legal analysis with lived experience, storytelling, and community engagement. Ultimately, this Report serves as a resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand and advance human rights protections across the Americas.

Recommended Citation

Caroline Bettinger-López, Tamar Ezer, Shantanice Vaxter, Hannah Garry, Alexzandrea Bartle, Austin Brewster, Brittany Findley, Ana Garcia-Velez, Andrew Kiliment, Christian Kruger, Ana Luiza Potgornik Ferreira, Abigail Matherne, Genice Nadal, Lucia Niño Junyent, Yasmin Rizvi, Amanda Sarmientos, Megan Schutzen, Roberta Spehl, Sara White & Meg Williams, Human Rights in the Americas Symposium: An Examination of Past, Present, and Future, 33 U. MIA. Int'l & Compar. L. Rev. 655 (2026).
Available at: https://repository.law.miami.edu/umiclr/vol33/iss2/12