Co-hosted with the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, FIDH’s five-day triennial Congress includes many sessions open to accredited journalists. These sessions take place during the two-day Human Rights Forum on 21 and 22 October, bringing together FIDH’s member organizations, local and regional civil society actors, diplomatic and political representatives, and other high-level figures.
The shrinking space for civil society, the crisis of multilateralism, and the rise in attacks on human rights defenders and independent media have become worldwide trends. They are often accompanied by a crisis of the rule of law and the presence of populist and xenophobic movements that often use violent rhetoric against human rights defenders, indigenous people, and environmental defenders. These trends require a strong response from civil society movements.
The Congress will seek to create a dynamic and highly participatory environment in which defenders can build new allies, amplify their voices, strengthen their resilience, and share innovative tools and practices to address global human rights challenges.
A beacon of democracy in the region, Taiwan was chosen to host the 40th Congress – the first held in Asia. While Taiwan still faces key human rights challenges, it has experienced a unique trajectory of democratic reforms since it turned the page on martial law in 1987. The choice of Taiwan will also provide a unique opportunity to discuss how to effectively engage with China amid its growing political, economic, and cultural influence beyond its borders.
FIDH was founded in the wake of the First World War – the first international NGO dedicated to defending human rights. Comprised of 184 organizations in 112 countries, since 1922 our Federation has investigated and documented human rights violations around the world and advocated for states to enact policies respectful of human rights. Over the past decade, FIDH has carried out over 450 fact-finding, judicial observation, solidarity, and advocacy missions in 80 countries.
Requests for accreditation may be sent to Eva Canan and E-ling Chiu at congress.press@fidh.org
See the Press Kit below:
