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30 September 2025. Against a backdrop marked by the genocide in Gaza, wars in Ukraine and Sudan, and the rise of a new authoritarian bloc, fundamental guarantees - freedom of expression, equality, access to justice, protection of the environment - are being undermined. Faced with these threats, FIDH and its 188 member organisations reaffirm the urgency of action: the defense of human rights begins on the ground, as close as possible to the victims, documenting violations and demanding accountability from States, non-State actors, companies, and individuals.
Why Bogotá?
Each congress is held in a different region to reflect the diversity of the movement. Colombia, committed to a peace process but facing persistent violence, illustrates both the challenges and the potential in areas such as democracy, climate justice, migration, the rights of the most vulnerable, transitional justice, education, etc. The joint work of local and international organisations remains crucial to preventing further atrocities and obtaining reparations.
A global dialogue
Bogotá will be the epicenter of an international debate that will bring together human rights defenders from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The "Taking Action for a Sustainable World, Universal Rights and Just Societies" Public Forum, which will take place on October 27 and 28, will discuss:
– defense of democracy and peacebuilding;
– fight against populism, sexual and gender-based violence;
– disinformation and new technologies;
– climate justice, alternative economies, anti-corruption;
– international justice, the war on drugs, and organised crime.
United Nations special rapporteurs, experts in transitional justice, and high-level academics will participate in these exchanges.
Here and now, the FIDH calls for the construction of peace, human rights, and democracy, with and for victims everywhere.
FIDH warmly thanks all its partners for their commitment and support in organizing the 42nd FIDH Congress
