On 13 December 2024, the Maynooth Centre for European and Eurasian Studies and the Embassy of Czechia in Dublin participated in a 'Mitterand Breakfast' conversation about Human Rights and International Migration, held as a part of Human Rights Week, when Czech Embassies in different world locations engage in discussions on different aspects of human rights globally. These build on the legacy of the former French President’s visit to Communist Czechoslovakia in December 1988, when Francois Mitterrand hosted an important diplomatic event – a breakfast meeting at the French Embassy in Prague between the representatives of the Communist government and opposition leaders.
The conversation opened with a leading contribution from the Ambassador of Czechia, His Excellency Pavel Vošalík, former Deputy Minister and Director General of the Legal Section, Ambassador to Canada, Ambassador to South Africa, and other accredited countries. Amongst the Maynooth University academics to participate in the event were Professor Hana Cervinkova (Anthropology) and Professor John O' Brennan (Sociology/Politics). The conversation ranged widely over international law, international conflicts, and the European Union role in protecting human rights and the rule of law. The Centre was also glad to welcome Dr Ivo Graziani, Head of Cabinet of the Office of the Grand Hospitaller, Sovereign Order of Malta, Roma. Dr Graziani is responsible for the Order of Malta's humanitarian projects abroad.
