ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, December 13, 2024 – Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves, Director of the Facts and Norms Institute (FNI), recently completed a highly productive research visit to the Center for Human Rights (CHR) at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. The visit, which took place from November 2nd to 21st, 2024, focused on fostering international collaborations and contributing to the CHR's mission through academic engagement, mentorship, and networking.
Engaging the Academic Community
Professor Alves delivered three specialized lectures to PhD students. Two sessions explored the intricacies of the international human rights system, focusing on the mechanisms of the United Nations and the Inter-American system, from his unique perspective, based on his work as a lawyer at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
The third lecture provided critical insights into "Research Methodologies in Human Rights." Dr. Alves explained the importance of clearly defined research questions, appropriate methodologies, and effective data analysis tools, using his own research and contributions to UN and Inter-American bodies to provide practical context. He also shared "learning how to learn" techniques to optimize academic productivity, alongside a guide to various research methods, from doctrinal analysis to qualitative empirical research.
Dr. Alves also delivered a well-received public lecture on “The Impact of Climate Change on the Human Rights of Vulnerable Groups.” Drawing upon the extensive work of the Facts and Norms Institute, he emphasized the disproportionate vulnerability of marginalized communities to the adverse effects of environmental issues and severe climate events. He used concrete examples from his research in Brazil and beyond to highlight the intricate link between climate issues and human rights. He called for comprehensive legal and policy responses to address these intersecting challenges. The lecture drew an engaged audience of students, faculty, and legal professionals, sparking a robust discussion. This was followed by a valuable networking session, held over an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, allowing for further engagement.
Collaborative Research & Mentorship
In addition to formal lectures, Dr. Alves dedicated two days to individual mentoring sessions for PhD students. He offered guidance on research proposals, methodological approaches, and academic writing, using his extensive international experience to illuminate best practices and techniques. This mentorship activity was supported by a series of detailed follow-up emails, providing students with an extensive list of relevant readings, encompassing over 70 academic articles and book chapters, covering relevant themes, research methodologies, and legal systems. The list of suggested academic materials included articles and books on water rights, ethnic conflict, human rights education, civil society, the right to housing, human rights and development, critiques of human rights, implementation of human rights law, the rights of persons with disabilities, and much more.
Another key component of Dr. Alves’ visit was a collaborative research project on the nexus between severe climate events and the right to housing. The discussions and planning laid the groundwork for future cooperation between FNI and CHR, with a focus on vulnerable groups and relevant legal frameworks, which includes a plan to be sent in January 2025. Dr. Alves drew heavily on his recent contributions to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing, offering first-hand knowledge of cutting-edge research in this field.
Dr. Alves also engaged in discussions with CHR faculty and project staff, sharing ideas, research trends, and exploring potential collaborations between the Center and the Facts and Norms Institute.
Emphasis on International Human Rights Law
Throughout his visit, Dr. Alves promoted the application of international human rights law in addressing local human rights issues, highlighting the functions of UN Treaty Bodies and Special Procedures. He provided invaluable guidance on how to engage with the Inter-American Human Rights System, sharing the processes for submitting complaints and engaging with both the Commission and the Court.
Dr. Alves gave detailed presentations of his Institute’s work on a range of human rights challenges, including illegal mining and mercury contamination, the right to housing in relation to climate change, and the contributions of Amicus Curiae briefs to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Follow-up and Future Collaborations
This visit has laid the groundwork for future collaborations between CHR and the Facts and Norms Institute, with both sides committing to exploring avenues for cooperation, including joint research projects, educational programs, and dissemination of research findings. Dr. Alves' short-term research stay was deemed a major success, enriching the Center for Human Rights with his unique expertise. His engagement is also hoped to enhance the international outreach of the Center. The FNI looks forward to building upon the collaborations initiated during this visit to further its mission of promoting and protecting human rights in Ethiopia.
A Message of Hope
Professor Alves' final words, during the farewell event before the coffee ceremony, reflected his experience of cultural exchange. He expressed his happiness and gratitude for his time in Ethiopia.
He spoke of the pride of Ethiopians, and the warmth and hospitality he experienced in Addis. He shared his deep appreciation for conversations over coffee and injera, and also the welcoming presence of Ethiopians both in the academic setting and the public spaces.
Dr. Alves also noted the peaceful coexistence of various religious devotees in Addis as a "sign of hope," and further expressed his hope that Ethiopia would "find the path to lasting peace and social and economic development its people deserve."
"As my three weeks in Ethiopia conclude, I'm filled with two sentiments: happiness and gratitude.
This was my first time in your country.
Years ago, in Washington DC, I met several Ethiopians. They spoke proudly of their country's resistance to colonization, but also shared concerns about the ongoing conflict and their deep desire for peace among its diverse communities.
In the U.S., I was also introduced to Ethiopian food and Ethiopian coffee. In this connected world of ours, my work for human rights in the Americas was fueled many times by the coffee carefully grown, harvested, and commercialized by Ethiopian hands.
I come from Belo Horizonte, a large city in Brazil. My city is the capital of the Minas Gerais province. We are regarded by all Brazilians as an amicable people, as the best producers of… yes, coffee; and as one of the best (for many 'the' best) regional food in the country. The mineiros, the people of Minas Gerais, are often portrayed as humble friends sitting around a table drinking coffee and having cake and cheese.
In Addis, I often felt at home. I enjoyed wonderful conversations over coffee and injera, and was warmly welcomed by everyone at the Center, professors, staff, students, security, everyone. I was delighted by the several Ethiopian children who stopped me in public spaces, eager to practice their English. Other Ethiopians, young and old, were equally friendly on numerous occasions.
I will go back to my country with good memories, and many impressions.
I hope your country finds the path to lasting peace and the social and economic development its people deserve.
One of the many impressions I will carry home with me is how Addis is able to host so many fervorous religious devotees of different religions… While in other parts these differences turn into conflict, in Addis I’ve witnessed many Christians and Muslims coexisting in peace. I've seen it with my own eyes... And understood it as an unequivocal sign of hope.
If your country manages to build lasting peaceful coexistence among all groups, then it will be a lighthouse for the whole world in the difficult and dangerous times we live in.
Tomorrow, early in the morning, I will departure from Addis to Belo Horizonte. I will leave with one hope and one certainty.
My hope is that a part of me remains here in the seeds I attempted to plant during the mentoring sessions, classes, lectures, and interactions.
My certainty is that a part of all of you is already planted in my heart and memories, seeds of a new flower that will continue growing in the twin-province of Minas Gerais.
Thank you."
- Professor Henrique Napoleão Alves
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