S.4.1 -Music and human rights: amplifying the resonances

S.4.1 -Music and human rights: amplifying the resonances

Author: Global Campus of Human Rights March 18, 2026 Duration: 46:24

The first episode of Sounds of Justice teases out the different dimensions of the relationship between music and human rights. The four guests, all co-editors of the Routledge Companion, explore what the language of music and the values of human rights have in common; and how music’s capacity to connect us to our common humanity while attuning us to difference can power ongoing struggles for justice.

About the host

Ignacio Saiz is a human rights advocate and independent advisor to international organizations. He previously led the Center for Economic and Social Rights and held senior positions at Amnesty International. A lifelong passion for music has led him to explore how its power can be harnessed to advance human rights, including as creator and host of Sounds of Justice.

* Julian Fifer

is former Executive Director of Musicians for Human Rights. As cellist and founder of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, he conceived a method of orchestral music-making using democratic principles and collective leadership. The artistic outcomes have been documented by Deutsche Grammophon on 55 Orpheus recordings.

* Angela Impey

is Emerita Professor of Ethnomusicology at SOAS, University of London and co-editor of the Routledge SOAS Studies in Music series. She has published widely on music and social justice in Africa, including the award-winning Song Walking: Women, Music, and Environmental Justice in an African Borderland.

* Manfred Nowak

is Professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Vienna and Secretary General of the Global Campus of Human Rights, a network of some 100 universities in all world regions, based in Venice.

* George Ulrich

is Academic Director of the Global Campus of Human Rights (Venice, Italy). His research interests relate to the philosophy of human rights, global justice, and human rights and development cooperation.


Produced by the Global Campus of Human Rights, To the Righthouse is a podcast that navigates the complex and often turbulent waters where human rights meet the real world. The title itself is a guiding metaphor: just as a lighthouse warns ships of perilous coasts, this series aims to illuminate the risks and challenges facing fundamental freedoms today, while also pointing toward potential harbours of safer, more robust protection. Each episode grapples with the persistent gap between lofty ideals and ground-level realities, exploring that difficult space where theory confronts practice. You’ll hear from a range of voices-academics, advocates, and those directly affected-who bring multiple perspectives to these urgent discussions. The conversations aren't about easy answers; they delve into the nuanced, sometimes contentious work of seeking stability and just solutions in an unstable world. This isn't a lecture series, but a thoughtful exploration for anyone curious about the forces shaping dignity and justice globally. Tune in for a podcast that serves as both a beacon of critical thought and a forum for genuine, enlightening dialogue on the social scientific dimensions of our rights.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 23

To the Righthouse
Podcast Episodes
S1.2 - In small places close to home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:01
Whose values? Whose experience? Are human rights inclusive? Value-based objections to human rights are commonly stated with reference to culture and/or religion. They may further be linked with a claim that human rights…
S1.1 - Clearly unclear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
Human Rights under pressure: when, why and how to engage with sceptics? In the current era of rising illiberalism and backlash against hard won human rights standards, there is a pressing need to stand firm, hold governm…