Protection of human rights is one of the most important achievements of mankind. Its support through foreign policy, however, involves a series of dilemmas. In human rights discourse, questions are raised as to what exactly human rights entail, to what extent they are universal or how to strengthen them in the most effective way. In the second half of the 20th century, foreign human rights policies were pursued in the context of the Cold War between the West and the East. In addition to undisputed humanitarian aims, they also served strategic goals such as weakening the adversary. It is therefore worth asking what part of this experience we can build upon and what we need to reconsider.

The aim of the one-day conference is to bring together politicians, academics, and representatives of civil society and to provide the floor for the discussion on new trends and challenges associated with policies promoting human rights abroad. The debate will try to define what is the meaning of human rights in today's world, what are the most effective tools for their protection, and how to reconcile different views on their content and promotion. The human rights dialogue between Europe and the United States, as well as the Czech historical experience and foreign policy on human rights will also be discussed.