Gonzaga in Florence 2026 Human Rights Conference

Gonzaga University School of Law is organizing the 2026 Human Rights Conference in Florence, Italy, scheduled for May 22, 2026. This eighth annual conference is co-hosted with Gonzaga in Florence and the Center for Civil and Human Rights at Gonzaga Law, continuing a tradition of addressing pressing human rights issues with distinguished academics and legal professionals from around the world.

The 2026 conference theme is "Executive Aggrandizement and Decline of Rule of Law and Democracy: Human Rights Perspective." It will explore how the expansion of executive power can erode democratic principles and violate human rights. Discussions will focus on tactics such as undermining judicial independence, politicizing prosecutorial power, and restricting media freedom, all of which contribute to democratic backsliding and human rights abuses.

The event will commence with an evening keynote reception in central Florence on May 21, followed by a full-day program on May 22 featuring multiple panels, a keynote luncheon, and a closing dinner. Keynote speakers will be announced as they are confirmed. Gonzaga Law in Florence will waive conference fees for speakers, including program events and meals, and may provide lodging and limited travel reimbursement, subject to available resources.

This conference is ideal for scholars, legal practitioners, policymakers, and students interested in the intersection of executive power, rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Attendees will gain valuable insights into contemporary challenges and engage in meaningful discussions with experts in the field.