From the 2nd to the 8th of July, we held a seminar on human rights and free trade in Risan at the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Participants from different corners of the world flocked to this enchanting place - the Bay of Kotor is apparently considered as one of the thirty prettiest bays in the world... - to discuss the relationships between these two of liberalism's most important concepts. Through guest speakers and workshops dealing with a variety of issues, from the inclusion of human rights provisions in trade agreements to the potential use of trade sanctions to punish abusive regimes, participants were encouraged to think critically and creatively on the different intersections that exist between free trade and human rights.

As part of the seminar team I had the 'pleasure' to spend quite some time in advance and during the seminar itself to prepare some of the sessions: besides some introductory remarks, I coordinated a session dealing with the trade embargos and consumer boycotts during the Apartheid regime in South Africa, as well as a session on the 'resource curse' and the detrimental effects of particularly oil and gas exports on human rights in countries with nondemocratic institutions. Perhaps more interestingly, some of the sessions during the seminar were so-called 'open spaces' where participants could themselves bring up issues that they wanted to discuss within the framework of the seminar's topic. Consequently, in smaller groups we all engaged in discussions on for example the issue of property rights and generic medicines, the role of opposition groups in exile on the human rights policies of governments and the thesis that 'the best development aid is free trade'. Our participants from Belarus and Azerbaijan gave presentations on the human rights situation in their respective countries during these open space sessions.

In order to keep our minds fresh, sufficient amount of time was reserved for all of us to relax at the lake and to have a swim. This is also where we had our traditional cultural evening, which I think many of us consider as one of the best nights with some high-quality performances, tasty food and 'inspiring' drinks. We also ventured on some wonderful trips to Kotor itself and one by boat over the lake: definitely recommended!

In terms of output, video messages were recorded by the participants which will be broadcasted at IFLRY's upcoming Executive Committee in the Philippines in July. In addition, a campaign on human trafficking is currently being developed by some of the participants.

Of course, no successful seminar without great hosts: Sandra and Satka from the Young Liberals of Montenegro did a perfect job in terms of preparation as well as on-the-ground coordination. Also credits to the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty for generously supporting the seminar!

Bart Woord (bart@iflry.org)