The 10th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy Conference
WHEN
February 20th, 2018
WHAT
I attended the 10th Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit unites annually on the eve of the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) main session. Coincidence? Not at all.
WHY
It attracts hundreds of human rights victims, diplomats, journalists, and brave activists and dissidents to discuss important human rights cases and to urge global action by pressuring the UNHRC to do their job.
WHO
This year, 22 activists, human rights victims, dissidents, and former political prisoners from Cuba, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Venezuela and other countries testified about their plight for human rights, democracy and freedom, some presenting strategic plans for a better future.
Although each of the speakers displayed grit, bravery, and passion, five speakers especially struck a chord with me. I will feature them over the course of the week.
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| Julienne Lusenge, President of Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégra (SOFEPADI) |
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| Antonio Ledezma, exiled mayor of Caracas and recently escaped political prisoner |
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| Farida Abbas Khalaf, Yazidi who escaped slavery, author of “The Girl Who Beat ISIS” |
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Irwin Cotler, Chair of Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, member of OAS inquiry on Venezuela and the ICC, former Canadian MP, Minister of Justice & MP, Attorney General
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