Virtual

International Society for Human Rights Virtual Event 

Theme: Equality – Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights
Date: December 10, 2024 

Time: 15:00 – 5:30 CET
Duration: 2hours: 30 minutes 

Introduction:
Every year on the 10th of December, the World commemorates the Human Rights Day. This day is in honor of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a document that lays the founding principles in which the current modern Human Rights dispensation is based. In marking this year’s World Human Rights Day 2024, the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) will host a virtual event to join the rest of the world under the theme: ‘Equality – Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights.’ This event will feature three distinguished human rights defenders, Tsega Belachew from Ethiopia, Christian Bwanga from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Mbaiadjim Bekoutou Chad, all currently based in Germany. These speakers will provide unique insights into the ongoing struggles for human rights and equality, particularly within Africa. This virtual gathering will bring together ISHR’s global network, the Board, and other willing members of the public. 

Objectives: 

  1. Highlight the critical need to reduce inequalities to advance human rights. 
  2. Create an interactive platform for audience members to share perspectives and connect with speakers. 
  3. Strengthen our resolve and commitment to principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly equality. 

Agenda: 

Opening Remarks (15 minutes): 

Speaker: Secretary-General of ISHR 

Description: Welcome participants, introduce the event’s theme, and discuss ISHR’s commitment to reducing inequalities to advance human rights globally. 

Keynote Speaker 1: Tsega Belachew (20)

Topic: Championing the rights of Women in Ethiopia; my experience 

Description: Tsega will share her experience in advocating for the rights of women in Ethiopia. She will share her story and also rally the participants to further the fight for equality for women’s access to justice.    

Keynote Speaker 2: Christian Bwanga (20 minutes): 

Topic: Addressing Inequality and Injustice in the DRC 

Description: Christian will explore human rights issues within the DRC, including systemic inequalities and injustices affecting marginalized communities and the role of Human Rights Defenders in promoting a more equitable society. 

Keynote Speaker 3: Mbaiadjim Bekoukou (20 minutes): 

Topic: Fighting for Equality in Chad: An Activist’s Journey 

Description: This speaker will discuss how political inequalities and injustice impact human rights in Chad, focusing on how Human Rights Defenders are advocating for fairer policies and greater justice. 

Interactive Q&A with Keynote Speakers and Plenary (30 minutes): 

Moderated by the ISHR Secretariat, this segment invites participants to engage directly with the speakers, ask questions, and contribute their thoughts on advancing equality through human rights. 

Poetry interlude (10minutes) 

There will be a poetry interlude from one of our ambassadors who will recite from his collections. 

Address by the ISHR President (15 minutes): 

Description: The President of ISHR will reflect on this year’s theme and discuss the organization’s goals in supporting equality to ensure universal human rights. This segment will emphasize our collective responsibility to advocate for equality and how ISHR is leading these efforts. 

Closing Remarks & Call to Action (10 minutes): 

Speaker: Secretary-General of ISHR 

Description: Summarize the event’s key takeaways, thank all participants, and urge attendees to continue working together to reduce inequalities and advance human rights globally. 

 Note: 

A live chat feature will allow participants to discuss topics, ask questions, and engage with speakers and other audience members, creating a lively and inclusive environment. 

Expected Outcomes: 

  1. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of inequality’s impact on human rights in specific regions and globally. 
  2. The ISHR network, Board Members and other attendees will interact with and get to know the HRDs that the ISHR Secretariat is hosting under the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative (ESI). 
  3. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with the ISHR network, Board members, and fellow human rights advocates. 
  4. The event will inspire individuals and organizations to act toward reducing inequalities and supporting human rights in their communities.