We are pleased to announce that the Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte (IGFM) will hold its Annual General Meeting on March 29th and 30th, 2025, in Bonn, Germany alongside the International Council Meeting, centred on the theme: Strengthening democratic movements—overcoming dictatorships. This gathering offers a vital platform for members, supporters, and human rights advocates worldwide to convene, deliberate, and strategize on pressing human rights issues.

Reflecting on the Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte (IGFM) 2024 Annual Meeting

The 52nd Annual General Meeting, held on April 20th and 21st, 2024, at the Gustav-Stresemann-Institut in Bonn, centered on the theme: “War in Europe: Advocating for Human Rights – Now More Than Ever.” The conference featured esteemed speakers, including:

• Lev Ponomaryov: Co-founder of the Russian human rights organization “Memorial” and former member of the Duma.
• Karinna Moskalenko: Armenian-Russian lawyer who has represented numerous cases before the European Court of Human Rights.

The discussions primarily focused on the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, particularly the Russian war against Ukraine, which had entered its eleventh year by 2024. The conference also shed light on the situations in Armenia, the world’s oldest Christian nation facing existential threats, and Iran, where human rights conditions had significantly deteriorated over the preceding year.

Country-specific reports were presented by:

• Anton Alekseyev: Highlighting the situation in Ukraine.
• Olga Karach: Discussing developments in Belarus.
• Jurgita Samoskiene: Providing insights into Lithuania.
• Dr. Liubov Nemcinova: Reporting on Moldova.
• Prof. Dr. Margarita Kola: Sharing perspectives from Albania.
• Mariam Claren: Addressing issues in Iran.
• Taban Shoresh: Focusing on Iraq.
• RA Aneeqa Anthony: Presenting on Pakistan.

A significant highlight of the 2024 meeting was the award ceremony hosted by the Stephanus Foundation for Persecuted Christians. The honorees included:

• Dr. Jasmin Dum-Tragut: Director of the Center for Research on the Christian East at the University of Salzburg.
• Gegham Stepanyan: Human Rights Ombudsman of Artsakh.
• Dr. Gurgen Petrossian: University of Nuremberg

A reflection of the 2023 International Council meeting of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR)

Leadership Developments in 2023 in the ISHR

In addition to the annual meeting, the ISHR’s International Council convened on April 24th, 2023, to elect new leadership. Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher was re-elected as President of the International Council, and Matthias K. Boehning was re-appointed as Secretary General. The newly elected Vice Presidents and Treasurer, representing a diverse array of geographic areas and professional backgrounds, included:

• Dr. Haydee Marin (USA): Vice President for the Americas.
• Dr. Liubov Nemcinova (Moldova): Vice President for Eastern Europe.
• Dr. Margarita Kola (Albania): Vice President for Europe.
• Wanjeri Nderu (Kenya): Vice President for East Africa.
• Dr. Moumouni Guindo (Mali): Vice President for West Africa.
• Dr. Krmanji Othman (Iraq): Vice President for the MENA Region.
• Dr. Carmen Krusch-Gruen (Germany): Treasurer.

This leadership team has a four-year mandate, dating from 2023 to 2027, this leadership team has so far brought a wealth of experience and dedication to  advancing human rights globally.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Building upon the momentum of previous gatherings, the 2025 Annual General Meeting aims to further our collective commitment to human rights advocacy. We eagerly anticipate the participation of our global community in Bonn for another memorable and impactful assembly.

For more details and registration information, please visit our official website:

• https://ishr.org/igfm-annual-general-meeting-2024/
• https://ishr.org/ishr-international-council-elects-new-leaders-at-recent-meeting/

We look forward to welcoming you to Bonn in March 2025.