Dana Denis-Smith’s Post

A few takeaways from #INTA2024. There was plenty to report and roundups from each day can be found on the Managing IP website. However, a few additional thoughts are included in the link (and summarised) below. 1)    The joy on the faces of people attending INTA for the first time (and those who have attended for many years) is a pleasure to witness and demonstrates the true nature of the #trademark 'community'. 2) IP can be a force for good. The keynote speech from Bernice King, daughter of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, demonstrated the positive role #IP can play in society. Also, the work of Brand Action raising thousands for good causes once again showed how brands and IP lawyers are well-placed to enact positive change. 3) It's time to call out bad behaviour. The conference heard during one session that instances of inappropriate behaviour at work (and at events) are still common. It's time for change. 4) Difficult decisions may be needed. The 2026 Annual Meeting is scheduled to be held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. In most countries, the #IP profession is (rightly) committed to inclusivity and diversity, including support for the LGBTQ+ community. With same-sex relations illegal in Dubai, it is important to ensure the views of LGBTQ+ lawyers are adequately heard ahead of 2026.

#Europe: Recent judgements contrary to the child’s #righttoidentity In a series of recent judgements at the European Court of Human Rights (#ECtHR), there has been a degressive trend from international norms, guaranteeing the child’s right to identity in #familyrelations (Art. 8(1) CRC). In the decision Gauvin-Fournis and Silliau c. France, (Application 21424/16 and 45728/17), the ECtHR by a small majority refused the applicant’s request for information about their #donors. Despite the magnitude of persons affected by this type of conception, facing a lifetime of incomplete #identities, the applicants request to be heard by the Grand Chamber was refused on the 19/2/2024. In the case of Cherrier v France (Application 18843/20) the ECtHR again refused to align the French laws with the #UNCRC related to their identity on 30/01/24. The ECtHR found that it was within #France’s margin of appreciation to not provide information about a birth mother to an #adoptee, born through "naissance sous X". These decisions present a worrying direction contrary to the State’s obligation to preserve and speedily re-establish missing elements of the child’s identity. To the contrary, the ECtHR, continues to implicitly support anonymous practices without any real opportunity for reparations for #children and persons who find themselves in these situations. It is not clear how such decisions can ever be aligned with the #CRC Committee’s 2023 recommendation to France that they “ensure that children born through assisted reproduction technologies have #accesstoinformation about their #origins before they reach the age of 18, whenever they make a request to that effect” and previous recommendations to remove the condition of the mother’s consent before the child can know their origins. There is hope in the minority decisions in both cases, which pave the way for the enjoyment the right to identity. See also ➡️ Legal Memorandum: Right to know one's origins - Gauvin-Fournis and Silliau v. France (https://lnkd.in/gu2749WQ)

For many years, as I researched and published essays and detailed academic journal articles documenting powerful false-flag NGOs - particularly Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International - that weaponized human rights for hate, I expected at least a few former staff members to blow the whistle. This took a long time, but now Danielle Haas has stepped forward to confirm and expand on the pervasive culture of antisemitism and the corruption among these NGOs. Important (and depressing) reading:

Shame on Cumberland Council! Queer people exist. Same-sex parents exist. Trans, gender diverse and nonbinary people exist. We. Are. Not. An. Issue. The only issue with our existence is that we have to keep defending our rights to exist. Last week, Cumberland Council, passed a motion that continues to set set a precident, and feed and perpetuate the unnecessary fear and ignorant misinformation of the LGBTQ+ community. Further, this action continues to jeopardise the safety of rainbow families and any future coexistence of our public communities. They passed an amendment to the Library Strategy 2024-2027 that bans books featuring same-sex parents from our public libraries. "This crosses a dangerous line. Our area welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs, we’re not about banning books just because someone does not like who is in them." Sign the petition here, and please share widely. https://lnkd.in/gwHaWd-X #LGBTQ+ #Sydney #RainbowFamilies #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality #Equity #EqualRights #HumanRights ##Discrimination #lgbtqbooks #lgbtqcommunity Equality Australia Rainbow Families

It all began with a simple act – a click, a share, a voice raised in solidarity. As a member of Amnesty International, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of social media in amplifying the voices of the marginalized and oppressed across different parts of the World, our digital footprints became trails of hope, weaving a tapestry of resilience and defiance against tyranny. Reflecting on my experiences with Amnesty International, I am filled with a profound sense of fulfillment. Each win, each campaign, each petition, and each act of solidarity has been a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. Through our collective efforts, we have sparked conversations, challenged perceptions, and inspired change. However, our work is far from over. I am extending an invitation – to join me in this journey of empowerment and advocacy. Together, we can be the catalysts for change, the architects of a future where freedom knows no bounds. Harnessing the power of our voices, not just to speak truth to power, but to amplify the voices of the voiceless, to shine a light in the darkest corners of oppression. Within the fabric of history, we will be remembered not for the silence we kept, but for the roar of defiance that echoed across generations. Please join me by clicking on the link below, and together, we will write a new chapter in the story of hope, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of freedom for all. https://rb.gy/k1enzx

If young women were chosen by men as the symbolic images of Justice and Liberty at a time when women were by law the property of men, doesn’t that mean that those same men also saw Justice and Liberty as their property? And why would we still subscribe to such symbolism without question? Especially since we all know that symbols matter and in powerful ways. I’ve been asking this question since I was a kid. And even in the barely five months since my Mother, Mother, Lady Justice story was published, I still don’t know the answer. And, I believe, it is a critical question that needs answering in light of the many laws being passed that do make women and LGBTQ people and children the property of a patriarchal state. We can protest the oppression all day every day, but as long as the symbols stand protected and embedded to declare otherwise, our protests are but progress reports that the system is working as intended. “Yep, they’re still oppressed or they wouldn’t be making such a fuss about it. Carry on!” Symbols matter so shouldn’t we take the time to understand them in a real world context beyond the myths and fairy tales before we excuse and worship them as something they’re not? I thought, how could a justice system understand my pain when their symbol for justice looks like my mother after every beating from her drunkard husband? And why would the courts not see that symbol as traumatizing for child survivors? Domestic violence so baked in and excused that it would be satirical if not so deadly. “Gee golly we don’t know why more women and girls don’t report the assaults. We keep throwing money at justice related programs and stuff, evidenced by the word justice in the title. Gee, golly, we don’t understand, here let me cop a feel of the tits on this scantily clad blindfolded goddess of justice statue with no rights created to serve men while we contemplate the problem. Hmm…, what could it be, what could it be…” I hope I have the courage not to delete this post because I’m seeing a lot of posts using the symbol of “lady” justice to make their points and while all of them are well meaning in their messages, their baked in unquestioned choice of image from a research standpoint as a student of public policy in which images are used heavily in political strategies — and as a childhood DV/SA survivor — truly fascinates me.

Recharging Advocacy for Rights in Europe (RARE) brings 25 leading European human rights defenders together in a two-year capacity- and alliance-building programme. As a solidarity alliance, RARE is co-organised by partners from academia and civil society: the Hertie School, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee , the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Poland and Oxfam Novib. RARE is an exceptional opportunity for human rights defenders and civic space advocates from across the EU to meet, learn and strategise together. Apply by 28 July and take action together for civic space and the rule of law in the EU. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eAhtCQ-G From fall 2024 till summer 2026, 25 leading staff members of civic organisations from all over Europe will take part in 8 high-quality skills and knowledge-building events (camps) as well as collaborate on advocating for protecting civic space in the EU. Participants will forge connections with and join RARE’s first two cohorts. Resource persons and expert contributors at the 8 camps will be drawn from Hertie School faculty, leading civil society and multilateral organisations as well as think tanks. Our vision is that after 20 months, participants will become better equipped to build stronger organisations and cooperate in a stronger alliance, built on collaboration towards a common agenda on fundamental rights and rule of law in the EU. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/dbyZmAB

Juneteenth: A Day to Reflect, Celebrate, and Advocate for Change On this day, June 19th, we at Interactive Advocacy join millions across the United States in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in African American history that marks the official end of slavery in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a time for reflection, education, and advocacy. As we honor the resilience and strength of those who fought for freedom, we must also acknowledge the ongoing struggle for true equality and justice. At Interactive Advocacy, our mission is to create a world free from violence and oppression, where every individual can thrive. On this Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling systemic racism, advocating for marginalized communities, and promoting healing through storytelling and empathy. Today, let us celebrate the progress made, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Let us uplift the voices of the unheard, stand in solidarity with those fighting for change, and create a future where freedom and equality are not just dreams, but a reality for all. Happy Juneteenth! 🖤❤️💚 #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationDay #Equality #SocialJustice #EndRacism #Advocacy #Healing #Storytelling #InteractiveAdvocacy

Such an insightful response.

As we start the week, we are reflecting on how #Feminist Movements and more specifically activists all over the world have increasingly faced backlash from different anti-rights groups and individuals. "Backlash tends to occur most frequently when the force of our activism begins to change existing patriarchal systems and structures and cause those who benefit from patriarchy to resist." If you are a feminist facing backlash in your context, this is your reminder that you're not alone. 🌻 COFEM published a Tip Sheet on Backlash, what it is and how it can be addressed safely. You can access the Tip Sheet here; https://lnkd.in/dWUnuBFm