Javier El-Hage

Javier El-Hage is a former Chief Legal Officer at the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). He holds Masters degrees in International Law from Columbia University School of Law, and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

El-Hage was formerly a constitutional law professor at the Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz-Bolivia, during which time he was invited by the Bolivian Constituent Assembly to provide expert testimony on international investment law and international human rights law.

El-Hage has also taught legal courses and seminars as adjunct faculty at the Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar, Ecuador, and the Universidad Francisco MarroquĂ­n, Guatemala. His research topics and areas of expertise include International Human Rights Law, International Criminal Law, International Democracy Law, Comparative Constitutional Law, and International Investment Law & Arbitration.

 

Speeches

Venezuela

Fighting for Democracy and Human Rights in Latin America with Javier El-Hage

Javier El-Hage, Chief Legal and Policy Officer of Human Rights Foundation, addressed the 17th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy on February 18th, 2025. Full Remarks: Ladies and gentlemen, It is a privilege to stand before so many survivors and human rights heroes today. I am not one

Nicaragua

Presentation of the 2023 Courage Award with Javier El-Hage

Chief Legal and Policy Officer at Human Rights Foundation, Javier El-Hage presents the 2023 Courage Award at the 15th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see below for his remarks. Full Remarks It’s my distinct honor today, on behalf of the 25 co-sponsor organizations of the Geneva Summit

Moderator

Fighting Authoritarianism with Javier El-Hage

Javier El-Hage, chief legal officer of the Human Rights Foundation, addresses the 10th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On learning the importance of liberty: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots

Presenter

Presentation of Geneva Summit 2016 Courage Award with Javier El-Hage

Javier El-Hage, chief legal officer for the Human Rights Foundation, addresses the 8th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On Venezuelan authoritarianism: “Venezuela is not just a regular authoritarian government.” “Venezuela happens to be the most active of the authoritarian