Karel Vasak

human rights advocate

Karel Vasak was a Czech-French lawyer and a prominent advocate for human rights, known as the father of the fourth generation of human rights, which emphasizes social, economic, and cultural rights. He was a victim of the communist dictatorship in Czechoslovakia, and his work significantly influenced international human rights law, particularly in the context of post-World War II frameworks. Vasak's contributions continue to resonate in discussions about the importance of safeguarding human dignity and the rights of individuals in the face of state power.