(Bonn, Germany) The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) recently held its International Council Meeting on April 24th, 2023, where the organization elected its new governing council. The International Council comprises representatives of the national sections from six continents. Section heads from (Albania, Kenya, Mali, Lithuania, Belarus, Germany, Moldovia, Azerbaijan, and Iraq) countries gathered in Bonn, Germany, where the ISHR secretariat is located, to elect their leaders and discuss the state of human rights around the world. The meeting, which was the first since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, saw some members (Felix Agbor Nkongo from Cameroon, Josephine Ndagire from Uganda, Haydee Marin from the USA, Bela Shikaryan from Armenia and Sylvia Mosquera Osorio from Colombia) who could not be physically present joining online. The ISHR is excited and pleased to announce the results of the recent elections for a new Board comprising six new Vice Presidents and a new Treasurer. The newly elected Board and the Treasurer are the epitome of diversity, representing a broad array of geographic areas, social and economic backgrounds, and professional experience.

During the meeting, Prof. Thomas Schirrmacher was re-elected as the President of the International Council, and Matthias K. Boehning was re-appointed by the President as Secretary General. Other notable leaders elected to the International Council included;

• Haydee Marin (USA) as Vice President for “The Americas”
• Lyubov Nemcinova (Moldovia) as Vice President for Eastern Europe
• Margarita Kola (Albania) as Vice President for Europe
• Wanjeri Nderu as Vice (Kenya) President for East Africa
• Moumouni Guindo (Mali) for West Africa, and
• Krmanji Othman (Iraq) as Vice President for Mena Region.

The International Council also welcomed Dr. Carmen Krusch-Gruen as the new Treasurer, replacing Karl Hafen, who did not seek re-election. The newly elected Vice Presidents and Treasurer will bring their diverse experiences and expertise to the fore and contribute to the development and growth of the ISHR. Their skills and knowledge will go a long way in shaping the future of the organization.

In addition to electing new leaders, the International Council also acknowledged the rekindling of the Cameroonian section, to be led by prolific human rights defender Agbor Felix Nkongho.

In their remarks, the President of the International Council, Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, and the Secretary General of the ISHR, Matthias K. Boehning, expressed gratitude to the outgoing council members for their exceptional work in promoting and protecting human rights through their respective sections. Each section head gave an update on the status of human rights in their countries and provided an activity report for their sections.

The entire team at the ISHR congratulates the newly elected Vice Presidents and Treasurer and wishes them good luck in their future roles. The ISHR looks forward to working collaboratively with them to continue their mission of promoting human rights and upholding the values of freedom and democracy for all. The term of office is four years and runs from 2023–2027.

We thank all candidates and voters who participated in this election process and express our gratitude for their continued support towards our shared vision for a better world.

The ISHR works closely with the ECOSOC of the UN where it has consultative status, the Department of Public Information of the UN as an associate, the European Council in Strasburg in a Consultative capacity, and the African Union.

The new board of the International Council of the ISHR:

President:

Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher (Germany)

Treasurer:

Dr. Carmen Krusch-Gruen (Germany)

Vice-Presidents:

Dr. Haydee Marin (USA) for Americas

Dr. Lyubov Nemcinova (Moldavia) for Eastern Europe

Dr. Margarita Kola (Albania) for Europe

Wanjeri Nderu (Kenya) for East Africa

Dr. Moumouni Guindo (Mali) for West Africa

Dr. Krmanji Othman (Iraq) for Mena Region

General Secretary:

Matthias K. Boehning (Germany)