Auditorium Ivan Pictet, Maison de la paix, Geneva
Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are unfortunately common in many armed conflicts. In addition to the suffering of the civilian population, human rights defenders operating in conflict settings are often at risk of being killed, tortured and arbitrarily detained. Despite international efforts, we are witnessing persistent gaps in protection and widespread impunity for crimes committed against human rights defenders.
In honour of Human Rights Day, this panel pays tribute to the incredible work of human rights defenders from conflict countries.
Opening remarks:
Thomas Wagner, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to the UN in Geneva
Keynote Speech:
Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
Andrew Clapham, Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute, will moderate a discussion with five prominent HRDs outlining their work and the key challenges they face in defending human rights in their respective countries:
Hala Al Karib, Regional Director, Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa SIHA Network, Soudan
Radhiya Al Mutawakel, Founder of Mwatana for Human Rights, Yemen
Mazen Darwish, Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression, Syria
Fawzia Koofi, Former Member of Parliament and Women Rights Defender, Afganistan
Issam Yournis, Director of Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights, Gaza
This panel discussion is organised by the Graduate Institute and the Delegation of the European Union to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva.
This event can be joined online or in-person and will be recorded and made available on the Institute's YouTube channel.
PLEASE NOTE: Access to indoor public events is limited to attendees with a Swiss or European COVID certificate. In addition, face masks must be worn to all in-person events at the Graduate Institute.