CFF UFM HRF | Stand in Solidarity for Freedom and Justice · Joey Siu

Claudia Sánchez  | 07 de marzo de 2025  | Vistas: 5

The College Freedom Forum is an initiative of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), an organization that promotes the defense of human rights around the world. In the eighth edition of the event held at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin, activists from different countries present their experiences in the pursuit of freedom and the fight against human rights violations.

The conference featured Hong Kong activist and former student leader Joey Siu, who will share her powerful story of escaping persecution and her journey to becoming a global advocate for freedom, human rights, and democracy.

Through her firsthand account, students will gain insight into the challenges faced by human rights defenders, with a particular focus on the Chinese Communist Party’s repression. Siu will explain the ongoing suppression of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and discuss the broader impact of authoritarian regimes on individuals and communities worldwide.

When we stand together, when we fight together, we're not just stronger.”

Siu’s talk focuses on the systematic erosion of liberties in Hong Kong, particularly since the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Her story reflects the resilience of Hong Kongers who, despite facing escalating authoritarian control, continue to fight for their freedoms. In her personal journey, Siu discusses the immense risks she took at the age of 20, organizing protests and rallies for democracy. Her activism eventually led to her being targeted by the Hong Kong government, forcing her to decide between imprisonment or leaving the country. She left Hong Kong in 2020.

 As human rights advocates, we have seen the same tactics of transnational repression and illiberal influence employed by so many autocrats and dictators across the world.”

Siu continued advocating for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy cause, contributing to the successful sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials. However, her activism comes at a heavy price. The Chinese government has set a bounty on her head, and she faces constant harassment and threats from transnational repression efforts. These acts of intimidation are part of a broader pattern of Chinese authoritarian influence, which has expanded into Latin America, threatening the freedoms of people in countries like Venezuela and Bolivia.

The challenges Siu faces are not just about personal safety. Her story is part of a larger global struggle against authoritarianism, one that includes not only Hong Kong but also Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other oppressed communities under the Chinese regime. Siu emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with these movements, stressing that when global citizens unite in the fight for liberty, they become stronger.

We are going to win this battle for freedom and democracy in solidarity.” 

Siu’s message resonates with the urgency to preserve democratic values in the face of authoritarian aggression.  Her call to action urges students and activists around the world to speak out and support those who are fighting for freedom in Hong Kong, Venezuela, Ukraine, and beyond.

Explore more content on global human rights struggles and activism from the College Freedom Forum 2024.