This description is derived from notes taken during class and my memories of the session.

As today’s lecture treats Indigenous experiences defending Human Rights, L3 begins with a revision of the definition of Human Rights. When stating that everyone is entitled to them, he tells us that his father used to say that even the blackbird outside the window had Human Rights. Throughout the lecture he often asks the students whether they remember a certain detail and sometimes gets help from one of them. After approximately one third of the lecture, L3 asks a reflection question to think about while he goes on.

When he talks about a certain UN body he tells the class that he has been to one of its meetings. He describes the atmosphere as very friendly and open-minded but also points out that it is very competitive and difficult to get one’s voice heard. He has also attended a different meeting on UN level which he repeatedly calls “very interesting”. He explains the seating order of the different countries’ governments and indigenous representatives to show their different attitudes.

When the topic of NGOs comes up, L3 tells the class about a friend who created an NGO to underline how much work and luck it includes and how difficult it can be to gain status with the UN. He finally finishes the lecture with another reflection question.

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