Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture | Council on Foreign Relations

Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture: Preventing and Addressing Sexual Violence in Conflict

The United Nations recognized rape as a war crime in 2008 through the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1820. Despite this step, sexual violence remains a widespread practice in wars and conflict zones globally. Panelists discuss the extent of sexual violence used as a tool of war and policies that can address it and help prevent future atrocities. The Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture was established by CFR and the family of Arthur C. Helton, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who died in the August 2003 bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad. The Lecture addresses pressing issues in the broad field of human rights and humanitarian concerns. The audio, video, and transcript of this meeting will be posted on the CFR website. **For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio and video of this virtual meeting will be posted on the CFR website.**

Virtual Event with Phoebe Donnelly, Madeleine Rees, Rachel B. Vogelstein and Sheryl Sandberg April 8, 2024 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Europe

Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture: The Legacy of the Helsinki Accords

Panelists discuss the history and legacy of the Helsinki Accords, the 1975 agreement that concluded the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and human rights concerns today.

Virtual Event with Agnès Callamard, Peter L. Osnos, David J. Scheffer and Esther Brimmer March 23, 2023 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Americas

Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture: Haiti on the Brink

Panelists discuss humanitarian conditions in Haiti after the assassination of its president, successive natural disasters, a constitutional crisis, and the increasing control of the country by gangs, as well as how the United States and international organizations can aid efforts to strengthen Haiti's stability. The Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture was established by CFR and the family of Arthur C. Helton, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who died in the August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. The Lecture addresses pressing issues in the broad field of human rights and humanitarian concerns.

Virtual Event with Jacqueline Charles, Johanna Mendelson-Forman and Joel Dreyfuss February 18, 2022 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Immigration and Migration

Arthur C. Helton Lecture: Migrants and the U.S. Southern Border

Panelists discuss the humanitarian concerns facing migrants at the U.S. southern border, including how the pandemic is affecting refugees and asylum seekers, and the future of immigration under the new administration. The Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture was established by CFR and the family of Arthur C. Helton, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who died in the August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. The Lecture addresses pressing issues in the broad field of human rights and humanitarian concerns.

Virtual Event with Alfredo Corchado, Will Hurd, Elora Mukherjee and Ethan Bronner February 1, 2021 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

China

Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture: China's Uighurs

Panelists discuss China’s treatment of Uighurs in the Xinjiang region, reports of detention and torture, and the response of other countries, including the United States. The Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture was established by CFR and the family of Arthur C. Helton, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who died in the August 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. The Lecture addresses pressing issues in the broad field of human rights and humanitarian concerns.

Event with Gay J. McDougall, James A. Millward, Nury Turkel and Calvin Sims April 11, 2019 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

United States

The Reality of Modern Slavery

From debt bondage in India, forced labor in North Korea, and human trafficking in Europe and the United States, an estimated 40.3 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery.

Event with Mark P. Lagon, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, E. Benjamin Skinner and Kira Kay May 18, 2018 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Middle East and North Africa

Responding to the Migrant Crisis in the Middle East

Experts discuss efforts to assist refugees displaced from the migrant crisis in the Middle East.

Event with David Miliband, Peter Wittig and Lisa Anderson June 21, 2016 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Global

The State of the World's Refugees: From Indifference to Solidarity

UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres discusses the current state of the world's refugees. Related readings: Protocol to the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees

Event with António Guterres and George Rupp May 31, 2012 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Global

Holding World Leaders Accountable to Reducing Global Poverty and Protecting Civilians

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Meeting 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception

Event with Jan Egeland and Gillian M. Sorensen May 22, 2007 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture

Global

The Dilemmas of International Protection for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons

5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Reception 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception

Event with Roberta Cohen, Francis M. Deng and Richard Haass May 15, 2006 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Lecture