We just wrapped up our 4th Annual International Summer School of Bioethics and Human Rights. This year’s summer school—held in Šibenik, Croatia from August 5-11—was hosted by WYA Croatia and WYA Europe, supported by the Stiftung Ja Zum Leben. The focus was on abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia, population control policies, and totalitarian ideologies.
Forty international participants enjoyed a week jam-packed with thought-provoking lectures, lively debates, and plenty of camaraderie. They were joined by renowned bioethics and human rights experts such as Belgian theorist Michel Bauwens; member of the European Parliament Stephen Bartulica; and lawyers Sofia Maruri and Oliver Tauzon.
Mislav Barišić, WYA Director of Policy and Research, kicked off the week with an engaging introduction to bioethics and a session on sustainable development and population. Over the next five days, participants heard from stellar speakers on topics such as:
- Metaphysics of life and authority
- Biological and medical status of the human embryo
- Ethical and medical considerations of euthanasia for terminal patients
- Ethical implications of genetic research
- Whether personal conscience has a place in the practice of pharmacy
- The nature of totalitarian ideologies and the human rights implications of totalitarian regimes
Guided by mentors from WYA Croatia and WYA Europe, participants also engaged in a series of structured debates throughout the week.
On the final day, at the much-anticipated Master Debate, attendees engaged in a spirited argument, demonstrating their mastery of the topics discussed during the conference and showcasing their debate skills.
Of course, summer school isn’t all work and no play. Participants had plenty of time to relax and build friendships during beach visits, a Šibenik city tour, a trip to the Fortress of St. Nikola, and much more.
At the end of the week, attendees bid farewell to each other with a sense of accomplishment, ready to bring what they’d learned back to their own corners of the world.