Human Rights
March 13, 2012
9:30 am
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Speeches
Russia
Protesting Putin with Maria Baronova
Maria Baronova, Russian human rights activist, journalist and subject of “The Bolotnaya Case”, addresses the 7th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. Quotes: To Be Confirmed Full Remarks To Be Confirmed
February 24, 2015
10:10 am
Syria
Rebelling Against Assad with Ibrahim Al-Idelbi
Ibrahim Al-Idelbi, Syrian human rights activist active in the rebel North-West of the country, addresses the 7th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. Quotes: To Be Confirmed Full Remarks To Be Confirmed
February 24, 2015
2:46 pm
Venezuela
A Message From Venezuela with Maria Corina Machado
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses the 7th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. Quotes: To Be Confirmed Full Remarks To Be Confirmed
February 24, 2015
2:48 pm
Hong Kong
Can Communist Regimes Reform? The Case of Hong Kong with Yang Jianli, Lester Shum, Alex Chow
Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters and student leaders Alex Chow and Lester Shum discuss human rights in China with Dr. Yang Jianli and address the 7th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. Quotes: To Be Confirmed Full Remarks To Be Confirmed 7th Annual
February 24, 2015
3:45 pm
Morocco
After the Arab Spring with Fouzia Elbayed
Fouzia Elbayed, Moroccan women’s rights advocate and former Member of Parliament, addresses the 7th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. Quotes: To Be Confirmed Full Remarks To Be Confirmed
February 24, 2015
5:00 pm
Panel
The Future of Liberal Democracy with Fouzia Elbayed, Subhas Gujadhur, Ladan Boroumand, Yang Jianli, Hillel Neuer, Javier El-Hage
Full Transcript To Be Confirmed
February 24, 2015
5:01 pm
Russia
Protesting Against Putin with Polina Nemirovskaia
Polina Nemirovskaia, a seasoned human rights campaigner in Russia and active player in the political campaigns of Boris Nemtsov before his tragic addition to the list of high-profile political critics of President Vladimir Putin assassinated for their dissent, addresses the 8th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see
February 23, 2016
4:00 pm
Russia
“Russia will be without Putin” with Zhanna Nemtsova
Zhanna Nemtsova, Russian activist and daughter of murdered opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, addresses the 9th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On a resurgent Russian authoritarianism: “The title of the panel, as you know, is “The Return of Authoritarianism”, and
February 21, 2017
9:45 am
Venezuela
A Day in the Life of Venezuela’s Diaspora with María-Alejandra Aristeguieta-Álvarez
Coordinator of Geneva Summit coalition partner Iniciativa Por Venezuela, Maria-Alejandra Aristeguieta, addresses the 9th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. Full Remarks Hello, I’m Maria-Alejandra Aristeguieta from Iniciativa por Venezuela. It’s a tiny organization based in Switzerland. For the past 15-17 years we have been fighting for Venezuelan
February 21, 2017
2:15 pm
The Maldives
Geneva Summit 2017 Courage Award with Mohamed Nasheed
Mohamed Nasheed, former President of the Maldives and Geneva Summit Courage Award winner, addresses the 9th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On his abuse by authorities in the Maldives: “I’ve spent the good half of my adult life in
February 21, 2017
3:15 pm
Democratic Republic of Congo
Voices for the Voiceless with Médard Mulangala
Médard Mulangala, a Congolese human rights activist and opposition leader, addresses the 9th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the DRC’s crossroads moment: “This is a critical moment in the history of my country because, in the next few
February 21, 2017
3:30 pm
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
February 20, 2018
9:30 am
Cuba
Fighting for Cuba with Guillermo Fariñas Hernández
Cuban Psychologist and journalist, Guillermo Fariñas Hernández, who has endured 23 hunger strikes and 11 years in prison for his defiance of the Cuban regime, addresses the 10th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On lack of democracy in Cuba:
February 20, 2018
9:45 am
Iran
Iran: The 2018 Protests with Maryam Nayeb Yazdi
Human rights activist Maryam Nayeb Yazdi, founder of Persian2English.com, a website documenting Iranian human rights violations and co-founder of Oslo Women’s Rights Initiative, prepares to address the 10th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the recent protests in Iran:
February 20, 2018
3:15 pm
Russia
Presentation of Geneva Summit 2018 Courage Award with Vladimir Kara-Murza
Russian democracy dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza receives the Geneva Summit Courage Award at the 10th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the commitment of Russians to human rights: “Russia is not usually the first country that comes to mind when
February 20, 2018
4:40 pm
Human Rights
Opening Address with James Kirchick
James Kirchik, journalist, author, and visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the universality of human rights: “Don’t let anyone tell you that certain cultures are immune to democracy or individual
March 26, 2019
9:45 am
Moderator
The Struggle for Democracy in Latin America with Centa Rek
Centa Rek, Senior Legal and Policy Associate at the Human Rights Foundation, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On authoritarianism in Latin America: “For over a decade now Latin America in general and more specifically countries like
March 26, 2019
10:00 am
Nicaragua
Nicaragua Cries Freedom with Felix Maradiaga
Felix Maradiaga, Nicaraguan opposition leader and human rights activist, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full remarks in English and Spanish. On human rights abuses in Nicaragua: “It was the case of the child Conrado Alvaro, who was shot in
March 26, 2019
10:03 am
Human Rights
How to Build a Safer World with Michael Levitt
Michael Levitt, Canadian MP and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the need for advocacy: “Unfortunately, we are seeing a resurgence of gross human rights violations around the word…And the
March 26, 2019
11:30 am
Burundi
Refugee from Burundi’s Regime with Ketty Nivyabandi
Ketty Nivyabandi, human rights defender who was forced to flee her home in Burundi in May 2015 after leading a peaceful protest, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On dire human rights situation in Burundi: “Burundi’s regime
March 26, 2019
11:31 am
Turkey
Targeted by Turkey with Nurcan Baysal
Nurcan Baysal, Kurdish author, journalist and human rights defender who in 2017 was awarded the “Brave Women Journalists Award” by the Italian Women Journalists Association, addresses the 11th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On being targeted by the Turkish
March 26, 2019
11:32 am
Russia
Rights in Russia with Lyubov Sobol
Lyubov Sobol, Russian lawyer, anti-corruption activist and leader of the pro-democracy movement, addresses the 12th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy — see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On her election candidacy: “This past summer I ran for election in the Moscow City Duma.” “Independent, democratically
February 18, 2020
9:41 am
Iran
Iranian Authoritarianism with Kaveh Shahrooz
Kaveh Shahrooz, lawyer, writer and human rights activist who led a recent successful effort to convince Canada’s parliament to recognize the 1988 massacre of political prisoners in Iran as a crime against humanity, addresses the 12th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy — see quotes below, followed by
February 18, 2020
9:42 am
Cuba
Taking on the Cuban Regime with Laritza Diversent
Laritza Diversent, Cuban lawyer, journalist, and human rights defender who serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Cubalex, addresses the 12th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy — see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On lack of democracy in Cuba: “The judiciary does not exist.” “The
February 18, 2020
11:15 am
Turkey
Purged by Erdogan with Yavuz Aydin
Yavuz Aydin, Turkish judge purged by President Erdogan now living in exile, addresses the 12th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy — see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the coup events and subsequent purge: “Even before this coup attempt was done, the High Council met
February 18, 2020
11:17 am
Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Protests: An Eyewitness Account with Denise Ho
Denise Ho, award-winning Hong Kong-based singer, actress and pro-democracy and LGBTQ rights activist, addresses the 12th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy — see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On her own involvement in the Hong Kong protests: “I started to understand the negative impacts of
February 18, 2020
3:30 pm
Panel
The Fragility of Freedom and Democracy with Nathan Law, András Simonyi, Can Dündar
Full Transcript Moderator: Earlier this year, the whole world was reminded of just how fragile democracy is. We all saw the scenes on television of rioters here in the US storming the US Capitol. The erosion of freedom and democracy is something we have seen in many other countries around
June 7, 2021
3:25 pm
Belarus
Belarus: Fearless in the Face of Tyranny with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition presidential candidate and human rights activist who was forced to flee Belarus after rigged elections, addresses the 13th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On imprisonment of husband Sergei: “When our daughter asks where he
June 8, 2021
3:05 pm
Panel
Champions for Change with Yang Jianli, Evan Mawarire, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Melissa Mahtani
Full Transcript Moderator: Welcome to our panel on Champions for Change. I’m joined by three incredibly courageous individuals here: Evan Mawarire, pastor and democracy activist from Zimbabwe, Yang Jianli, a dissident from China; and Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition politician from Russia. So I’m going to dive straight in here, and,
June 8, 2021
3:30 pm
Hong Kong
Fighting for Hong Kong with Joey Siu
Activist and advisor to Hong Kong Watch and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, Joey Siu, speaks at the 14th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On the fight for democracy in Hong Kong: “Over the years the people of Hong Kong have
April 6, 2022
11:10 am
Cuba
Resisting Dictatorship in Latin America with Berta Valle, Hamlet Lavastida, Miguel Henrique Otero
A panel including the owner of Venezuela’s last remaining independent newspaper, Miguel Henrique Otero; the wife of imprisoned Nicaraguan presidential candidate, Berta Valle; and recently released Cuban political prisoner, Hamlet Lavastida; discuss the threat of dictatorship in Latin America with CNN’s Melissa Mahtani at the 14th Annual Geneva Summit for
April 6, 2022
4:05 pm
Uganda
How To Topple A Dictator with Bobi Wine
Ugandan pop-star turned 2021 presidential candidate and opposition leader, Bobi Wine, speaks at the 14th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy – see quotes below, followed by full prepared remarks. On deciding to speak out: “My fame wouldn’t change the reality – that I was just a boy from
April 6, 2022
4:15 pm
Speakers
Olga Aivazovska
Forcibly displaced civil society leader & advocate for war crimes tribunal against Putin
Ali Al Ahmed
Saudi scholar, writer, public speaker and expert on Saudi political affairs
Lukpan Akhmedyarov
Kazakh dissident journalist
Luis Almagro
Secretary General of the Organization of American States, former Foreign Minister of Uruguay
María-Alejandra Aristeguieta-Álvarez
Ambassador-designate in Switzerland of Venezuela’s interim President Juan Guaido
Yavuz Aydin
Turkish judge purged by President Erdogan
Yavuz Baydar
Turkish journalist who won the 2014 European Press Prize for fighting censorship in Turkey
Bob Boorstin
Former Director of Public Policy at Google
Alex Chow
Former Secretary General of Hong Kong Federation of Students
Subhas Gujadhur
Universal Rights Group
Denise Ho
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and award-winning singer and actress (by video)
Vladimir Kara-Murza
Russian dissident and politician who survived two poisoning attempts
Nathan Law
Hong Kong student leader of the Umbrella Movement, former Member of Hong Kong Legislative Council who fled arrest
Lester Shum
Former Deputy Secretary General of Hong Kong Federation of Students
News
Press releases
Rights Groups Spotlight Abuses In Oil Rich Regimes As West Seeks New Energy Sources
GENEVA, March 9, 2022 — A coalition of 25 human rights NGOs announced today that dissidents from Saudi Arabia and Venezuela will deliver keynote remarks at the 14th annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. The move comes as Western countries seek to replace Russian energy with resources from the repressive regimes. Areej al-Sadhan, sister to Saudi
March 9, 2022
6:04 pm
Posts
“These Are Our Memories”: A Ukrainian Ex-MP On Why Kyiv Won’t Surrender
Interviewed by Dylan Rogers Almost every Ukrainian kid knows the phrase “4am Kyiv is bombed”. It is the expression that was used to announce the start of the German bombardment in 1941. Yet last Thursday morning it came alive again, as Russian dictator Vladimir Putin began an unprovoked attack on
March 2, 2022
3:30 pm
Posts
The Reluctant Revolutionary: An Interview With Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
After an eventful year in which Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko illegally downed a plane carrying a dissident blogger and orchestrated a migrant crisis on Europe’s eastern border, I talked to democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya (GS’21).
January 3, 2022
3:09 pm
Posts
“I Know the Course of History”: Lyubov Sobol Confronts Russia’s Future
Interviewed by Dylan Rogers. Shortly after Russia went to the polls this September, I sat down with opposition leader Lyubov Sobol (GS’20). At 34 Sobol occupies an idiosyncratic place in Russia’s pro-democracy movement. She has been with the now-imprisoned Alexei Navalny from the start, joining his anti-corruption campaign in 2011.
October 31, 2021
6:51 pm
