70 years after the establishment of the United Nations and the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are witnessing mounting human rights abuses in every corner of the globe. These abuses are piling up alongside what experts say is a pattern of global democratic retreat, forcing us to wonder if these two phenomena are linked together. Are democracy and human rights interdependent? And if so, how do we address a world where both are seemingly in decline? Debra Perlin speaks with Juan Mendez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence, to answer these and other questions about the state of democracy around the world.

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Join the Progressive Legal Movement Today: ACSLaw.org

Today's Host: Debra Perlin, ACS Director of Policy and Program

Guest: Juan Mendez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence, American University - Washington College of Law

Link: Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Link: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Link: Documentary Series Features Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan E. Mendez: In His Own Words

Visit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast

Email the Show: [email protected]

Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of American Constitution Society 2021.

Visit the Podcast Website: Broken Law Podcast

Email the Show: [email protected]

Follow ACS on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | LinkedIn | YouTube

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Broken Law: About the law, who it serves, and who it doesn’t.
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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of American Constitution Society 2025.