Background
At a time of profound global political, social and technological change, human rights practitioners are confronting increasingly complex challenges. International human rights standards remain essential, but practitioners are also working in environments where civic space is shrinking, political commitments are contested, accountability mechanisms are under pressure, and communities affected by violence, exploitation, discrimination and repression are demanding greater agency in shaping the responses that affect their lives. The question is therefore not only what human rights standards exist, but how practitioners translate those standards into meaningful change.
12:00pm Opening remarks
12:15–1:00pm PANEL 1
From Voice to Movement: Building Power for Rights and Equality
Panelists:
- Ruchira Gupta, Apne Aap Women Worldwide; Emmy-winning documentarian, author of I Kick and I Fly; Professor, New York University
- Gaisu Yari, Advocacy and Policy Manager, Afghanistan Initiative, Malala Fund
- Tsitsi Matekaire, Director, Regions, Equality Now
What does it take to turn lived experience, advocacy and public mobilisation into lasting human rights change for women and girls? This conversation will bring together practitioners working across women's and girls' rights, education, gender equality, human trafficking, and democratic participation and grassroots organising. The panel will explore how movements are built and sustained; how practitioners connect individual experiences to systemic injustice; and how advocacy can translate into changes in law, policy, institutions and public attitudes.
1:00–1:30pm Light lunch will be served
1:30–2:15pm PANEL 2
From Evidence to Accountability: The Practitioner’s Toolkit for Justice
Panelists:
- Kevin Hyland, Chair of G20 IF20 Working Group on Human Trafficking
- Céline Bardet, Founder and President, We are NOT Weapons of War
- Samer Khwaiss, Executive Director and Founder, Black Basalt Foundation
How do practitioners turn evidence of human rights violations into accountability, prevention and justice? This conversation will focus on the practical dimensions of documenting violations, understanding patterns of abuse, supporting victims and survivors, strengthening investigations and ensuring that evidence can contribute to accountability.
