Activists and Human Rights Defenders Sharing their Experiences

Bárbara Cecilia Escalante Alvarado  | 10 de marzo de 2023  | Vistas: 35

The conference "Activists and Human Rights Defenders Sharing their Experiences," held at Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala, featured prominent panelists such as Omar Ashogre, Roberto Quevedo, Toufah Jallow, and Chemi Lhamo, who shared their personal experiences and perspectives on the struggle for human rights. The discussion emphasized the privilege of living in a country with relative freedom and the courage required to speak out against injustice. Participants highlighted that the journey toward courage and activism can be long and personal, and there is no specific time to begin fighting.

The courage to speak against injustice comes from deep internal work and self-acceptance; there is no time limit for becoming an activist, you just need to be ready when you feel comfortable with yourself." — Omar Ashogre

Omar Ashogre shared his experience of resistance during his imprisonment, where constant threats and torture were part of his daily life. He emphasized how the support of fellow prisoners and the connection with them helped him maintain hope and humanity amid the suffering. This experience illustrates how solidarity and community support can be vital in facing extreme adversity.

Mere existence is resistance; by flourishing as human beings and finding strength in our community, we can face and overcome the external threats that surround us." — Chemi Lhamo

Chemi Lhamo discussed the importance of personal and communal resistance in the face of external threats, emphasizing how finding strength in the community and maintaining hope can be crucial to moving forward. This approach highlights resistance not only as an act of survival but also as a means of personal and collective flourishing.

The #MeToo movement must be understood and contextualized beyond privileged settings; it is crucial to recognize and support the stories of violence occurring in less visible communities and in varied contexts of power." — Toufah Jallow

Finally, the panelists questioned the effectiveness of institutions such as the United Nations in promoting peace and protecting human rights, despite their shortcomings. A call was made to participants to use their talents and platforms, such as social media, to share their stories and create positive change in the world. The discussion concluded with a message of empowerment, underscoring the importance of individual action and persistence in the fight for a more just world.

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