Advancing Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights in a Polarised, Digitalised, and Unequal World

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS 13 May 2025

We are pleased to invite abstracts for a conference on ‘Advancing Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights in a Polarised, Digitalised, and Unequal World’ to be held at Leiden University on 4 and 5 September 2025, in collaboration with Netherlands Network for Human Rights Researh (NNHRR).

Renewed momentum for social rights

In the Netherlands and around the world, economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) —including the rights to housing, health, food, education, and social security — have long been viewed as 'second-rank' rights. They face persistent barriers to codification, enforcement, and realisation. As we confront escalating global crises — ranging from pandemics, wars, and climate change to digital disruption and deepening inequalities — ESCR are increasingly recognised as foundational to human dignity, democratic participation, and social cohesion. However, in practice, they are often still marginalised.

One key dimension in this debate concerns the role of the judiciary. The continued dichotomy between liberty rights and social rights — paired with limited mechanisms for judicial review — poses a significant obstacle. Yet our focus must go beyond courts to include administrative, political, and societal mechanisms for the realisation of rights. New challenges are emerging in the digital era: from the increasing use of automated decision-making to barriers in accessing public services and legal remedies, the digitalisation of governance raises pressing questions about fairness, transparency, and inclusion in the protection of social rights.

While growing threats to civil liberties have rightly drawn public concern, social rights are more vital than ever — not only to protect the most vulnerable, but also to ensure meaningful democratic participation and resilient institutions. 

This conference takes place at a time of renewed momentum for social rights. It aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, and advocates to collectively map the most pressing issues, identify existing research, and deepen understanding through critical exchange. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and jurisdictions, the conference seeks to generate both scholarly and societally relevant contributions to the advancement of ESCR.

Further information

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions should be sent by 30 June 2025 to [[e-mail]] with the subject line: 'ESCR Conference 2025 – Abstract Submission'.
• Submissions must be in a Word document (.doc or .docx).
• Submissions must include:
  • the title, speaker(s)
  • name(s), institutional affiliation(s), and contact information
  • the abstract (no more than 300 words)
  • a short bio (no more than 100 words) of the speaker(s)
• The conference will be held in person at Leiden University, on 4 and 5 September 2025.
• Both NNHRR members and non-members are welcome to apply.
• Submissions may be co-authored, if at least one author will attend and present in person.
• We strongly encourage submissions from PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and all scholars conducting research on ESCR, as well as practitioners working with ESCR.
• We particularly welcome abstracts based on interdisciplinary research and/or employing distinct and innovative methodologies, including those based on a comparative approach, on intersectional analysis, or on empirical work.
• Authors of selected abstracts will be notified on 7 July 2025.
• Authors of selected abstracts are expected to submit a draft paper (no more than 5000 words) by 18 August 2025.
• Selected speakers may be invited to contribute to an edited volume following the conference.
• The conference will be held in person and is free of charge. Selected speakers and participants will need to cover their own expenses for travel and accommodation.

For enquiries, please contact Luísa Pinto e Netto at [e-mail]

Photo: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash