CALL FOR PAPERS

Joint Conference

Commission on Urban Anthropology and Commission on Human Rights (IUAES)

In collaboration with West Bengal State University, Indian Museum, Anthropological Survey of India, Centre for Alternative Research in Development

Venue:  Indian Museum, 27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata (Calcutta), India

Date: February, 14-16, 2011

Mega Urbanisation and Human Rights: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Rapid urbanization, the growing importance of mega cities and the decreasing importance of small towns are global trends, particularly in the developing countries, which carry serious socio-economic and environmental implications that need critical analysis. Migration is a major factor contributing to rapid urbanization. In some mega cities, however, the growth rate has gone down, indicating significant rural development in the region. This raises a very fundamental question, in dealing with urban development can we restrict our observation only to urban settings or should we study such settings in their regional context?

In cities where society is heterogeneous and pluralistic, particularly due to the presence of various ethnic communities, the situation is further complicated by the fact that for many immigrants moving to the city involves not only coping with physical distance but also with cultural barriers associated with different languages and regions. The expression “plural society” denotes a society made of a variety of communities. The lines of plurality may be drawn along one or more of several factors such as race, religion, caste, class, language, nationality, sub-regional differentiation, etc. All large societies have had to find ways of coping with such diversity and with the possible strains in the economic, social, political, religious and cultural spheres of life. What happens when people of different culture migrate to cities? Do they maintain their distinct identities? Tension and conflict result in different parts of the world when people’s expectations and aspirations are not fulfilled. These are important issues that require urgent attention.

Many countries are traditionally pluralistic and based on ethnicity. However, the presence of different ethnic groups is often related to communalism, which is seen as being responsible for human rights violations. Human rights are not just individual or political rights and should be considered in a much broader context, linking also to development and growth. Development and growth are inevitably linked to globalization processes, to environment issues and to justice and equality. While the multi-ethnic character of society may be respected and cherished in principle, discrimination often occurs in the context of race, region, caste or religion. Various kinds of violations affect tribes, women, children, refugees or stateless people and other marginal groups. Identity crisis, ethnic conflict and violations of human rights are observed across the world. Peace may well be desired, but it is unfortunately absent in most areas. A cross-cultural discussion on these issues can help to formulate better development strategies.

With increasing globalization, the rights and interest of ordinary people are often not protected. On the one hand, the exploitation of natural resources has become more intense, seriously affecting the environment; on the other hand, people’s access and command over natural resources are denied or ignored. Development models have often failed to address people’s expectations and aspirations. A critical analysis may help towards a better balance between industrially developed urban societies and less developed, predominantly rural, societies.

Anthropology with its holistic approach is well positioned to address some of these challenges and may contribute to a more just world order; a world without war, without fear, without want and without injustice.

Dates to remember:

Last date for session proposal:  31 st August, 2010

Last date for paper abstract:      30^th September, 2010

Date when acceptance will be communicated:  15^th October, 2010

Session proposals and paper abstracts should be sent to the Conference Conveners and the Local Secretary:

Prof. Buddhabed Chaudhuri (e-mail:  Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla ).

Chairperson of Commission on Human Rights, IUAES

Dr Sumita Chaudhuri (email :  Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla )

Regional Coordinator, Commission on Urban Anthropology, IUAES

Dr Subir Biswas (email:  Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spambots. Es necesario activar Javascript para visualizarla )

West Bengal State University

Local Secretary of the Conference 

For information on travel and accommodation, please contact Dr Sumita Chaudhuri, or Dr Subir Biswas

Registration Fees:

Developed country: $50 (Rs.2500/-)

Developing country including SAARC countries: $30 (Rs.1500/-)

Indian Participants (With accommodation): Rs. 1000/-

Indian Participants (Without accommodation): Rs. 500/-

Student Participants (India): Rs.250/-