China, Iran and Russia condemned by dissidents at UN watchdog’s Geneva summit

Dissidents from around the world recently gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, to share their stories of survival and escape from authoritarian regimes. The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy provided a platform for these brave individuals to shed light on the human rights abuses they have endured.

During the summit, UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer delivered a powerful speech condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for harboring some of the worst violators of human rights. Neuer highlighted the hypocrisy of allowing countries with poor human rights records to sit on the council, using their membership as a shield against accountability.

One of the key themes of the summit was the absence of many dissidents who were unable to attend due to imprisonment or other forms of repression. Empty chairs symbolized those who could not be present, while friends and family members shared their stories on their behalf.

Dissidents from countries such as Sudan, Cuba, Vietnam, and China recounted their harrowing experiences of standing up to oppressive regimes. Times Wang spoke about his father, Dr. Wang Bingzhang, who has been imprisoned in China since 2002, making him the longest-serving Chinese political dissident. Sebastien Lai shared the story of his father, Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily, who was detained by Chinese authorities in 2020.

The summit also featured speakers from former UNHRC member states, including Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Eritrea, Afghanistan, and Russia. Russian pro-democracy activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who survived two poisoning attempts, emphasized the importance of solidarity among democratic nations in the face of dictatorship.

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for the removal of the Islamic Republic regime, highlighting the ongoing fight for freedom in Iran. He stressed that Iranian women’s struggle goes beyond the hijab requirement, focusing on reclaiming their equality and country.

While the UNHRC prepares for its 58th session, discussions will cover topics such as genocide prevention, the death penalty, and racial discrimination. The absence of the United States from the council, following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw, raises questions about the effectiveness and credibility of the UNHRC.

The stories shared at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for human rights and justice around the world. It is crucial for the international community to stand in solidarity with dissidents and activists who risk their lives to speak out against oppression and injustice.