29/01/2025
Let's discuss the direction the world is going in.
Are we on the brink of a world without rules? Esteban Beltrán, Director of Amnesty International Spain, joined us at IE Law School to discuss this provocative question. As part of the school’s commitment to fostering intellectual debate, we invited Esteban to share his thoughts on the fragility of “rule of law.” This is a principle that safeguards fairness, accountability and human rights. But is it under threat in today’s society? And what does that mean for the future of international human rights?
IE Law School student Josefina Castro attended the event and shared her notes for this article, where we delve into Esteban’s thought-provoking ideas about human rights, global inequality and the future of democracy.
A fragile rule of law: Balancing pessimism and hope
Esteban began his speech by reflecting on the potential for a “lawless future,” presenting a balanced perspective that combined alarming trends with a hope for solutions. The concept of the rule of law was at the core of his discussion. This, in theory, protects the most vulnerable by ensuring equal respect for all rights. However, Esteban argued, “When in a conflict, we always have to prioritize some rights over others.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) was an important turning point. This is because, as Esteban explained, it marked “the first time in history that all human beings were considered equal in dignity.” Exploring its subsequent division into civil-political and socio-economic rights in 1966, Esteban examined how global efforts to uphold equality have evolved.
Despite these frameworks, he warned that implementation remains inconsistent, and political and economic priorities often overshadow the principle of equal rights.
Despite these challenges, Esteban emphasized the significant impact of civil society in driving progress on humanitarian issues. From the decline of the death penalty to environmental protection and individual freedoms, many victories have been the result of grassroots activism rather than governmental action.
Conflicts and double standards: weakening the global order
Among the list of threats to law and human rights, Esteban highlighted the alarming escalation of global armed conflicts. There are currently 52 active wars devastating nations and causing immense human suffering. Take the chaos in Sudan and Ethiopia or the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Esteban explained that these conflicts are “weakening the institutions set up to protect civilians and human rights.” He emphasized that the international community’s responses—or lack thereof—are straying far from the founding values of humanity. You can find these founding values outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
A critical issue raised during the talk was that not all international laws are applied consistently. Esteban elaborated, “In the way that the global rules are applied to answer these challenges, we see double standards. So, for example, in the case of Ukraine and Russia, two weeks after the aggression in Russia, we had the international criminal court setting up office in Kyiv to investigate what was going on. Whereas in the case of Israel and Gaza, it took almost a year for the international criminal court to start investigating.”
These disparities extend to how the world addresses refugee crises. This in turn seriously goes against international human rights law.
These disparities extend to how the world addresses refugee crises. Europe welcomed five million Ukrainian refugees with open arms, yet refugees from countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Mali faced significant barriers and unequal treatment. This selective application of international law and protection, Esteban argued, “undermines the respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
The fight for democracy: Laws protecting civilization
Looking at the big picture, Esteban identified troubling global trends. These included violations of international law, the misuse of technology and the rise of global solidarity paired with growing inequality. Technology, he said, is a double-edged sword, which can be used to protect human rights through information sharing and monitoring, or to facilitate discrimination and oppression. Esteban stressed the urgent need for balanced regulation to ensure technology serves humanity rather than deepening social and political divides.
Esteban also highlighted the connection between economic inequality and the erosion of democratic freedoms. “The global trend,” he warned, “Is the restriction of rights.”
Citing rhetoric from leaders like Viktor Orbán, Esteban claimed dehumanizing language toward vulnerable groups fuels populism and racism. It also undermines basic human rights.
Concluding his talk, Esteban called for bold reforms. These should come from international institutions like the United Nations, the International Criminal Court and the UN Security Council. “We need a coalition of governments, civil society and individuals to change the UN Security Council.”
Esteban also advocated for a shift in how we regulate technology and private companies. “We need to take robust legislative and regulatory steps to address the risk and harms caused by rapidly accelerating technologies, especially artificial intelligence, and reign in dominant corporate actors. We cannot live in the hands of corporations, leaving our freedom of expression in the hands of social networks.” He warned that without urgent reforms to technology regulation and global governance, the world risks descending into fragmentation and instability.
A timely wake-up call for international human rights law
Esteban’s speech served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing international human rights laws in the 21st century. But it also carried a hopeful message. Through collective action, equitable policies and global solidarity, we can protect democracy and build a more just world.
At IE Law School, we believe our students, as future leaders, can work toward solutions that uphold the principles of fairness, accountability and equality for all. By inviting leading voices in human rights and law, the school equips enterprising students with the tools to become future leaders committed to these values. Through programs that emphasize innovative thinking and global perspectives, IE Law School inspires the next generation to tackle the complexities of our world and drive meaningful change. If you’d like to be a part of that, please follow the link below.
