THE FIRST CONVERSATION IN A SERIES OF UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS ON THE RELEASE OF ZUP’S BOOKS

On Tuesday, 11 June 2024, the UP University Library hosted the first in a series of upcoming presentations and discussions marking the release of books published by the University of Primorska Press.

The presentation and discussion regarding the scholarly monograph Politike človekovih pravic (Human Rights Policies) authored by Simona Kustec and Drago Zajc, were attended by the late co-author’s family members, distinguished guests, and the featured speakers: Professor Emeritus Dr. Ernest Petrič, a professor of international law and senior career diplomat, and Prof. Dr. Vasko Simoniti, a professor of early modern history.

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by UP Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Rok Strašek, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jonatan Vinkler, Editor-in-Chief of University of Primorska Press moderated the two-hour session, offering lucid, thought-provoking prompts and questions. Through diverse perspectives and approaches to understanding the role of human rights, the author, the discussants, and the audience reached a consensus: human rights currently stand at a critical juncture, facing a decision regarding the direction and manner of their future evolution.

As the book’s author, Prof. Dr. Simona Kustec, stated: “Human rights are with us—and within each of us—every day, every moment, and at every turn; yet, regrettably, we only become aware of them when something seems to be going wrong. Sometimes this awareness is justified, while at other times it stems from a narrow perspective driven solely by self-interest. That is precisely why it is so important to understand the historical background, the underlying ideas, and the pivotal social and political events that have shaped the concept of human rights and our attitude toward them—especially as we enter the era of artificial intelligence.”

Viewing the event will also be possible on UP University Library’s YouTube channel.