Violations of human rights in anti globalization activities : case study of G8 summit in Genoa

Abstract

The underlying objective of this dissertation is to raise awareness about the violations of human rights, which can take place during anti-globalization activities, namely counter-summit demonstrations. The G8 counter-summit demonstrations taking place between the 19th to the 21st July 2001 in Genoa have been taken as a case study for analysis. The research methodology utilized for this dissertation is an analytical one, based on both official and non-official documentary research and informal fieldwork whilst utilizing socio-legal discourse. The dissertation is divided into three mam sequential sections, relating to the protection or the violations of human rights, namely the events taking place; prior, during and in the aftermath of the G8 summit. The literature review has focused on the G8 and the anti-globalization movement. It has also focused on the protection of the right to freedom of assembly and association with particular reference to the protection of this right in Italy, the hosting country of the G8 summit. It has also exposed international standards relating to public order policing and measures of accountability into the conduct of law-enforcement officers. The study has identified that during the G8 summit in Genoa, violations of Civil and Political rights have taken place on a wide scale. These violations mainly relate to; the right to life, the freedom of movement, the right not to be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention and the rights of people deprived of liberty.