On the 7th and 8th of July of this year, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) has participated in the World Movement for Democracy’s 10th general meeting. The meeting enjoyed the partaking of tens of civil society actors who are involved and engaged in outstanding efforts intended to empowering the fight for freedom, the creation of a democratic space and the protection of human rights in different parts of the world.
The World Movement for Democracy is a global network of civil society activists, scholars, parliamentarians, thought leaders, journalists, and funders who are committed to advancing democracy.
Since 1999, they have facilitated networking among democracy supporters and convened discussions and workshops on democracy in different regions of the world. They actively empower the democracy movements to engage in cross-regional solidarity, as well as share knowledge, support, and strategies with one another.
The meeting was held as a conclusion to numerous sessions that began last April of this same year evolving around democracy and human rights. It majorly dealt with common knowledges, the best practices to mobilize global solidarity with democracy activists at risk, while also recognizing and examining the emerging challenges and threats that activists face in various countries, especially in the Middle East.
This 10th general meeting also looked at supporting activists in their advocacy for accountability, end impunity, and promote human rights and democracy in their societies and countries. The meeting sessions also discussed the current geopolitical restraints, the built of a strategy and concept for solidarity actions, in addition to discussing the financing, security and political challenges in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed various obstacles in the face of civil society activists and democratization leaders in the world.
“These meetings are very important for activists around the world, for they strengthen the bonds and solidarity amongst us and create a safe space where all of us can share our knowledge and experiences in the field” said Nedal Al Salman, President of BCHR.
This two-day meeting has seen a comprehensive participation and attendance of different stakeholders like civil society activists, scholars, parliamentarians, thought leaders, journalists, and supporters committed to advancing democracy.