Resistance to Authoritarianism

All over the world, people are campaigning for human rights, democracy and the rule of law under increasing pressure. Despite repression, intimidation and persecution, they are resisting injustice and defending their fundamental rights. What motivates people to take action under difficult conditions? What strategies and networks help them in this endeavour? And what role does international solidarity play in their work?

This panel discussion highlights various forms of civil society resistance and shows how people around the world are standing up to authoritarian trends.

The panellists are Fida Hammami (Research and Advocacy Advisor at Amnesty International Tunisia and daughter of the persecuted human rights lawyer Ayachi Hammami), the journalist and activist Lukas Žalalis (representing the Russian liberal-democratic youth movement Vesna) and the journalist Daniel Binswanger.

Together, they will discuss the causes of the erosion of democracy, strategies for resistance, and the importance of networks and solidarity. The discussion will be moderated by Natalie Wenger from Amnesty International Switzerland.

This event is taking place as part of the Amnesty Letter-Writing Marathon. Every year, Amnesty International uses letters, petitions and messages of solidarity to support people who are persecuted for their commitment to human rights.