International solidarity and human rights: Meeting between the Independent Expert and Civil Society

An Informal consultation between the Independent Expert on International Solidarity and Human Rights and civil society was held on Friday, September 14^th at Palais des Nations. The first panelist, H.E. Msgr. Silvano M. Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See highlighted the importance of solidarity as key notion in the social doctrine as well as in human rights system. He also stated that the concept of solidarity has been devalued: “Solidarity must generate a moral and not only a legal obligation”

Next to take the floor, Ms. Virginia Dan Dan (IE on International Solidarity and Human Rights), highlighted that without solidarity, human rights cannot be fulfilled. Despite the fact that the concept of solidarity is often misunderstood and manipulated, Ms. Dan Dan defined solidarity as the bridge to achieve new and better results in the full implementation of human rights. “Instead of defining new human rights obligations in this regard, we have to identify the extent of existing obligations” - she said.

Finally, several NGOs took the floor in a very enriching debate.