In the 20th and 21st centuries, liberal democracies have grappled with a persistent sense of crisis, characterized by prolonged or permanent states of emergency. In her presentation, Mrs. Jana Ruwayha addresses this critical issue, examining how emergency measures, once exceptional, are now being normalized, thereby redefining democratic values and fundamental freedoms.

Although the state of emergency is an intangible legal regime, it plays a pivotal role in shaping our legal systems. Recent crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and counterterrorism responses, challenge the notion of a "return to normalcy" (status quo ante). Can we truly revert to pre-crisis conditions, or are we witnessing permanent transformations in our legal and governance systems?

Aligned with the 2024 Human Rights Week theme on democratic uncertainties and contemporary human rights challenges, this presentation explores the blurring lines between emergency and normalcy. Drawing on the classical emergency paradigm and insights from Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory, it highlights the long-term impacts of normalizing states of emergency on democratic values, the rule of law, and the potential shift toward illiberal or authoritarian governance.

Ultimately, this presentation seeks to enrich debates on the challenges facing democracy and critically examine the state of human rights within this context, emphasizing the pressing need to confront these contemporary issues.