Neuberger-Jesin Professor John Packer, Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC), and Ghuna Bdiwi, former Alex Trebek Postdoctoral Fellow for the Changing Orders project at the University of Ottawa, participated in the annual conference. Together they presented their co-authored research that aims to theorize and conceptualize the emerging and pressing phenomenon of Transitional Repression (TR) of activists-in-exile including especially HRDs. In particular, a common definition of the phenomenon is lacking which hinders comprehensive analysis and the shaping of effective legal tools to address TR.
HRREC Associate Director Viviana Fernandez, who is a member of the AHRI Executive Board, attended the conference, which concluded with the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the gathering, the Association adopted a Declaration in support of HRDs which called for unwavering support for the vital role they play in strengthening democratic societies.