Faculty of Law, AMU organizes Lecture on ‘Human Rights in a Democratic Society’

ALIGARH  : The Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University organised a lecture by Mr. Matthew Gold (Director and Joint Head of Civil Actions against Public Authority at Gold Jennings Solicitors, London, United Kingdom) on the theme ‘Human Rights in a Democratic Society’ to commemorate the UN Day.

Mr. Matthew Gold in his lecture reflected on a series of cases where he has represented the victims. He explained the expanding dimensions of human rights, its ever-changing contours, working of European Courts of Human Rights, the EU’s position and interpretation of Human Rights. Mr Matthew also dwelled on the interplay of the right to privacy of a family viz a viz human rights of a dead body.Discussing the mental health implications of working as a human rights lawyer, he asked the young minds to take imbibe professionalism in their pursuits to be able to function empathetically yet effectively.

In his welcome address the Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Md Zafar Mahfooz Nomani gave an overview of the legal and constitutional framework of Human Rights in India. “As we celebrate our Founder’s Day tomorrow, it is befitting that Mr. Matthew who works for the upliftment of the “have nots”. Mr Matthew’s commitment for the cause of under-represented resonates with the of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan,” he added.

Introducing Mr Matthew, Dr Mohammad Nasir, Assistant Professor and coordinator of the programme gave a brief sketch of his profile and achievements. “Matthew established his law firm in 2002 with the distinct remit and objective to fight injustice and to hold public authorities to account for wrongdoing and misconduct,” he said.

Prof. Shakeel Ahmad, Department of Law, AMU moderated the question answer session while Prof. Hashmat Ali Khan gave the concluding remarks. The Chairman, Department of Law, Prof. Mohd Ashraf delivered the vote of thanks.

The lecture was broadcast online on the off-campus centres of AMU – Murshidabad and Malappuram.