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December 10, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document signed in 1948 that enshrines the inalienable rights for everyone regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Human rights activists and defenders play a pivotal role in safeguarding the fundamental principles of human rights, justice, and democracy. Their unwavering commitment to the cause is the driving force behind progress and positive change.
Join Counterpart International, Alliance for Vietnam’s Democracy, and the Global Democracy Coalition for a series of panel discussions on December 11 in celebration of Human Rights Day. The hybrid event will bring together prominent panelists who have dedicated their lives to defending and promoting human rights. These panels serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those on the front lines of human rights advocacy and celebrate the courage and resilience of human rights defenders.
As a multi-stakeholder coalition that seeks to advance democracy globally, the Global Democracy Coalition includes more than 100 democracy organizations, many of which are working to promote fundamental human rights as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Programme
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Regional Perspectives: Impact of Human Rights Defenders Protecting Civic Space
Willice Onyango, Youth Café
Dalia Ziada, Liberal Democracy Institute
Gina Romero, REDLAD
Shelly Mahajan, ADR
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Sustainable Civic Space to Promote Human Rights, Resilient Communities in Asia
Dr. Jianli Yang, Citizen Power Initiatives for China
Dolkun Isa, World Uyghur Congress
Celito Arlegue, Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats
Dr. Richard Saisomorn, Lao Human Rights Network
Dr. Nathan Nguyen, Vietnam Democracy Center.
Dr. David Tran of the Alliance for Vietnam’s Democracy.
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM
Break
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Opportunities for Supporting Human Rights and Bolstering Democratic Spaces
Bryan Sims, Humanity United
Jordan Long, The Carter Center