Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s Post

🌟 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2024: Only two weeks remain to submit your applications! 🗳️ The prestigious Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, proposed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) recognizes exceptional civil society efforts in defending human rights across Europe and beyond. 🔍 Who Should Apply?  Individuals who have transformed the human rights landscape for a specific group.  Advocates who have exposed large-scale systemic violations.  Leaders who have galvanized public opinion or international communities for a vital cause. 📅 Deadline: Submit your nominations by April 30, 2024. 🏆 Prize Details:  The winner will receive a €60,000 award.  A stunning trophy and a prestigious diploma will accompany the prize.  The award ceremony will take place in Strasbourg in October 2024.   Read how to nominate ↪ https://lnkd.in/efFH5TpJ  Don’t miss this opportunity to honour those who champion human rights! 🙌🌍     #HumanRights #HavelPrize  #TheirCourageOurRights 

🌟 Advocating for Peace by Protecting Human Rights Defenders! 🌟 ( Or Protecting Human rights Defenders by advocating for peace) Collaborating with the Nobel Peace Center on the drafting committee for the Sunflower Declaration was an extraordinary privilege. This pioneering initiative pays homage to the exceptional accomplishments of human rights defenders, shining a light on their daily challenges. It also impels us towards unified action to protect and champion these courageous individuals. While I couldn't join the launch in September, the recent events of violence in the Middle East remind us that peace is urgent. These events serve as a poignant reminder that human rights defenders stand on the frontlines of such critical moments, documenting violations, striving to deliver medical aid, and courageously reporting on the realities of war. They wield unwavering determination and persistent voices in their relentless quest to advance rights, foster peace, and reshape our world. At Front Line Defenders we continue to be inspired by defenders on their envision a world where justice, peace, and equality thrive. #NobelPeaceCentre #HumanRightsDefenders https://lnkd.in/eERvymSJ

At the start of the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is the first German political foundation to endorse the call for the appointment of a United Nations Special Rapporteur on Democracy. Board Members Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger and Anne Brasseur signed the call earlier today.   The campaign was launched at the end of last year by the non-governmental organization Democracy Without Borders to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. More than 150 organizations and over 400 individuals from all over the world have signed it by now.   Strengthening and promoting democracy is one of the core tasks of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. As the number of autocracies rises, it has become clear that an open, liberal society can never be taken for granted. It is an achievement that must be defended.   As democracy and human rights are inextricably linked, the FNF has set up a Human Rights Hub in Geneva. Its purpose is to contribute to enhance respect for and compliance with human rights around the globe and to promote the rules-based international legal order. See here for the full press release: https://lnkd.in/eWmndfmq   Sign the call for a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy here: https://lnkd.in/e6WcGrRJ   #democracy #humanrights

“All human beings are born #free and #equal in dignity and rights.” This is the first sentence of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of #HumanRights. Brought into being in December 1984, it is as important today as it was 75 years ago to hold onto the declaration's principles. #FAUProf Dr. Michael Krennerich explains the challenges we are facing today as we continue to #protect the declaration. https://lnkd.in/eJMHsRzf

🔍 Berlin vs. Brussels: A Tale of Two Shutdowns 🇪🇺 #FreeSpeech In a single week, two political conferences in Europe were abruptly halted. In Berlin, the Palästina-Kongress faced police intervention on security grounds, affecting speakers and attendees alike. Days later, Brussels witnessed the temporary shutdown of the National Conservatism Conference, sparking outcry over public safety justifications. Both events are stirring intense debates on the true cost of security versus the value of free expression. Where should we draw the line? https://lnkd.in/eTYArqvw

My remarks at the Northern Justice Watch conference, reflecting on the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Looking back at that remarkable period of international human rights law-making, 5 themes emerge, still urgently relevant today. → Human rights are foundational to all that humanity aspires. → Human rights are universal, meaning all people, all rights, all times. → Human rights violations can and must be prevented. → Human rights protection necessitates international cooperation. → Without justice and accountability, human rights will remain precarious. https://lnkd.in/gMc7kfdy

"These dramatic times provide people an opportunity to become the best version of what we are, to be courageous, to fight for freedom, and to make difficult choices to help each other." Human rights defender Oleksandra Matviichuk and Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa in conversation on stage in Brussels. Watch these two remarkable women, who are risking their lives to protect democracy and human rights, live at our Nobel Prize Dialogue Brussels, Fact & Fiction: The Future of Democracy: https://bit.ly/3TlyVt8 #NobelPrizeDialogue

Did you know that our beloved Council of Europe turns 75 years in 2024? A lot of UNITED History is connected to this leading institution in #democracy, #humanrights and #ruleoflaw. It's weird to think that we have had such an institution for only 75 years of our common history, nonetheless it's an important reminder that even though the journey of rights is usually long, those leading to their loss can proceed steadily. For this reason we should use our time and space to monitor the processes that may lead us backwards, taking advantage of the lessons of history.

Three impressive candidates for the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights shared their vision for the future today. Michael O'Flaherty set out his four-point plan: 1. Embed human rights at the heart of the great global issues 2. Stand up for forgotten people 3. Protect human rights defenders 4. Bring hope in dark times He adds: "The Commissioner is a person, not an institution. They must be nimble. They must be out there on the streets of Europe." Meglena Kuneva warns that "human rights are in danger", while Manfred Nowak says, "We need to rebuild trust between individuals, political parties and states". As the ultimate guardian of human rights across Europe, this job matters. Thanks to CURE - Campaign to Uphold Rights in Europe for organising. #humanrights #councilofeurope https://lnkd.in/eis3Fcu2

This article sheds light on the challenges and ethical considerations that underpin the ongoing dialogue and how the US stance is slowly changing. 🕊️💔 Join me in exploring this complex balancing act and gain a deeper understanding of the forces at play. #ForeignPolicy #HumanRights #IsraelPalestine #GlobalAffairs 🌍