The human rights movement is reeling and the worst is yet to come. Populists have come to power in key countries promoting an agenda which is avowedly nationalistic, xenophobic and retrograde. This lecture suggests what can be done in response to this onslaught of negative developments. ‘Business as usual’ is not one of the options. Intensive self-reflection, innovative thinking and creative strategising will be required.

Philip Alston was appointed by the Human Rights Council in 2014 as the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights. He has taught at the European University Institute, the Australian National University, Harvard Law School, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He is widely regarded as one of the world's leading human rights lawyers.