Human Rights, Freedom and Justice.
In September 2019, Future of Russia supported the third annual ‘Human Rights, Freedom and Justice’ conference in memory of Yuri Schmidt, the well-known Russian human rights lawyer.
Bringing decision-makers together
The event brought together 40 Russian lawyers, activists, NGO workers and journalists who advocate for human rights under increasingly deteriorating conditions.
Together with 35 German colleagues – including key policy-makers and high-ranking representatives of the German Foreign Office and Federal Chancellery – they discussed and analysed the challenges and developments for human rights work in Russia.
Building powerful networks
In Russia, the regime has waged a comprehensive campaign against civil society in a bid to neutralise its power. Conferences such as this are vital for keeping the human rights movement connected, mobilised and empowered.
The conference helped key decision-makers better understand the Russian context and the Russian human rights movement agenda. It built vital linkages and has helped to create a more integrated network of actors working to support Russian civil society.
This year, the conference consisted of a series of round tables. Participating experts discussed current human rights developments in Russia and the challenges they present.
