Don’t forget about us: Strategies for resisting long-term detention of Human Rights Defenders

Event

Canva

In 2021, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders published a report on cases of long-term detention of activists, which were estimated to number hundreds or thousands worldwide. This report confirms the terrible treatment and conditions many defenders bear in prison. However, while an objective of long-term detention may be to discourage defenders, many cases result in perennial campaigns and increased publicity for the defenders themselves.

How can governments, civil society and international mechanisms work together to keep the pressure on long-term detention cases? What strategies have proven successful in improving respect for defenders’ rights and physical integrity while imprisoned?

This event is co-organized with the Martin Ennals Awards.

Opening

• Gloria Gaggioli, Director, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

Moderation

• Brian Dooley, Senior advisor on human rights, Human Rights First

Panelists

• Maryam Al-Khawaja, Human Rights defender and daughter of Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja, detained in Bahrain since 2011
• Quynh Vi Tran, Journalist and colleague of Pham Doan Trang, detained in Vietnam since 2020
• Fr. Xavier Soreng SJ, Lecturer, Ranchi Social Sciences Institute, on behalf of Father Stan Swamy (1937-2021), India
• Gerald Staberock, Secretary-General, World Organisation Against Torture
• Tor Hodefield, Vuka! Coalition Coordinator, CIVICUS

Registration

This event will take place in a hybrid format.

• Register here to attend the event at Villa Moynier (places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis).
• Register here to join online via Zoom.

Lunch

A light lunch and refreshments will be served.