Summer School 2025
Disabled Activism in an Age of Far Right Resurgence
Dates: 16th – 18th June 2025
The International Disability Law Summer School ran from Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th of June 2025. The theme for that year was ‘Disabled Activism in an Age of Far-Right Resurgence’.
The rise of far-right politics in recent years has led to a backsliding across the globe in democratic values, rule of law principles and rights protection. Authoritarian policies, war and conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately impacted disabled people, and particularly people with intersecting marginalised identities. To address these challenges, we asked ourselves how we can make space for civil society and hold governments accountable.
The 16th International Disability Law Summer School explored the challenges posed by far-right politics and we heard from experts on disabled activism, including direct action, strategic litigation and social and political advocacy. We discussed the uses and limits of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the range of articles engaged by far-right resurgence, including articles 6, 8, 13 and 29. We asked whether human rights was a useful tool for enacting change or whether alternative approaches were more effective in achieving justice and freedom for disabled people.
That year’s event again followed a hybrid approach, enabling speakers and delegates to participate in-person or online. The event was condensed into three days as opposed to previous years which have taken place over five days.
More Information: International Disability Summer Schools
Contact Details
Email: disabilitysummerscho@universityofgalway.ie
Phone: +353 86 418 1673
