International Law: Dialogues between Latin America and the United States

Program | Human Rights Across Borders: Latin American Dialogues on Expression, Equality, and Accountability

4:00–4:15 pm | Welcome and Opening Remarks

Erika George, Professor of Law, Boston University School of Law

The co-organizers will introduce the seminar’s theme, highlighting the importance of Latin American contributions to contemporary human rights debates and their relevance for BU Law’s global community.

4:15–4:35 pm | Keynote Address

Freedom of Expression, Corporate Power, and Gender in the Digital Age: Lessons from the Esperanza Gómez Ruling
Justice Natalia Ángel-Cabo, Colombian Constitutional Court

Justice Ángel-Cabo will discuss the Constitutional Court’s landmark ruling that found Meta (Instagram’s parent company) in violation of a Colombian actress’s right to freedom of expression and due process. The decision, which requires greater transparency and equality in digital content moderation, highlights the tensions between corporate power, individual rights, and gender in the digital sphere. Situating the case within the Business and Human Rights framework, Justice Ángel-Cabo will reflect on how constitutional courts can advance accountability and equality in the digital age.

4:35–4:45 pm | Q&A

4:45–5:10 pm | Panel I — Business and Human Rights Advances from Latin America

Speakers:

• Enrique Prieto-Ríos (Boston University-School of Law)
  Latin America as a norm-shaper in Business & Human Rights: from extractivism to digital accountability.
• Sebastián Mantilla Blanco (The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University)
  Investment Treaties and Community Interests: Latin American Approaches
• Erika George (Boston University-School of Law)
  Corporate responsibility and transnational governance: connecting Latin American practice with global due diligence and ESG trends.
• Steven Koh (Boston University-School of Law) International Criminal Law  Transitional Justice Scenarios and non-state actors.

5:10–5:20 pm | Q&A

Discussion Focus:
This panel examines how Latin America has emerged as a dynamic region for innovation in Business and Human Rights (BHR). The discussion will analyze the interplay between domestic frameworks, international investment law, community interests, and corporate practice, underscoring Latin America’s role as both a laboratory and leader in redefining responsible business conduct.

5:20–5:50 pm | Panel II — Transnational Dialogues: Can the U.S. Legal System Learn from Latin American Human Rights Advances?

Speakers:

• Daniela Urosa (Boston College - Law School)
  Comparative constitutionalism and democratic resilience: what the U.S. can learn from Latin America’s rights enforcement experience.
• Lina Céspedes (Universidad del Rosario – Law School)
  The nature of Women, Peace and Security: a Colombian perspective
• Jasmine Gonzales Rose (Boston University - School of Law)
   Insights on the U.S. civil and human rights experience for Latines
• Jose Ignacio Hernández Gonzalez (Visiting Scholar - Boston College; Fellow - Harvard Kennedy School) Democratic Challenges in the Americas and International Law.

5:50–6:00 pm | Q&A

Description:
This panel explores how comparative constitutionalism, gender justice, and racial equality strengthen democracy and human rights across the Americas. Together, the panelists invite a hemispheric dialogue on rights, equality, and the future of democratic resilience.

6:00 – 6:005 pm | Closing remarks

Enrique Prieto-Rios, Boston University School of Law.