Geneva, Switzerland - July 10th, 2024 — The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) celebrated the grand opening of its Human Rights Hub at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. This significant event saw the gathering of ambassadors, partners, and friends of FNF to discuss and promote the rule of law and human rights.
Anne Brasseur, Chairperson of the Human Rights Hub and FNF Board Member, opened the event with a poignant speech. Highlighting the rising threat of extreme right-wing governments and the cautious optimism from recent political developments in France, she emphasized the critical need for human rights activism:
"The work of human rights activists and defenders is more necessary than ever."
The Human Rights Hub aims to inspire and empower its network, increase the visibility of partner organizations on an international level, and facilitate experience and capacity sharing among human rights defenders.
A notable highlight of the event was the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Marco Buschmann, the German Minister of Justice. He reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering commitment to the international human rights law framework and congratulated FNF on establishing the Hub.
Minister Buschmann emphasized that human rights don’t protect western culture; they protect fundamental human needs regardless of culture, religion, or state organization.
The panel discussion included Fadzayi Mahere, a lawyer and human rights advocate from Zimbabwe, who shared her experiences. The discussion, moderated by Dr. Michaela Lissowsky, Director of the Hub, focused on supporting justice actors and their clients, often victims of human rights violations and state-controlled judiciary systems. Advocate Mahere called for unity among human rights defenders to strengthen efforts against autocratic regimes.
Judge Stefan Waespi from the Special Court in the Central African Republic (CAR) discussed the emergence of hybrid judicial mechanisms as pathways to transitional justice. He outlined the court's role in CAR and its potential as a model for other regions.
Concluding the panel, Dr. Katharina Stasch, the German Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, praised FNF for the Hub's opening and highlighted Germany's ongoing efforts in the Human Rights Council’s 56th session. She noted that while it is always positive to see more German actors in Geneva, it also reflects the worsening human rights situation globally.
The event concluded with Professor Ludwig Heuss, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, formally inaugurating the Human Rights Hub. He remarked on the urgent need for solidarity among human rights defenders in an increasingly uncertain world.
The opening of the Human Rights Hub marks a significant step in the global effort to protect and promote human rights amidst growing challenges.
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