Page 16 - Human Rights Program 2025 Annual Report

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A GLOBAL CONVERSATION ON REMEDYING RACIAL INEQUALITY
In September 2024, HRP joined the Roy Wilkins Center
for Human and Social Relations and the Humphrey
School of Public Affairs in South Africa for the 6th World
Conference on Remedies to Racial and Social Inequality.
HRP Director Carrie Walling led a conversation with
human rights archivists from Argentina, Colombia, South
Africa and the United States. Together, they explored the
core purpose of resistance archives, the ethical
dilemmas of documenting human rights violations, and
the pivotal role of archives in securing historical memory
and pursuing accountability.
Human Rights Initiative Manager Amelia Shindelar spoke
about the persistent risks faced by human rights
defenders who have lost a loved one to law enforcement
violence in the United States. She called for systemic
changes to support the mental health and wellbeing of
human rights defenders and to mitigate the risks they
face, including criminalization by the media and
surveillance and harassment by law enforcement.
Carrie and Amelia also explored South Africa’s
human rights history at places like Robben Island,
the Apartheid and District Six Museums, and the
Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Memory.
Nearly 400 participants representing 11 nations and 66 universities participated in crucial
dialogues on remedying racial inequality through environmental justice, art & storytelling, health
& healing and community collaboration. We have integrated the lessons and perspectives
gained into our ongoing work.
NETWORKS FOR JUSTICE ADVOCATES FOR
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
The Networks For Justice (NFJ) project focuses on security, protection and wellbeing of human
rights defenders (HRDs). Our current research focuses on HRDs who work with communities
impacted by law enforcement violence. This past year was marked by our active engagement
with international bodies, academic conferences, and community-based events, amplifying the
voices of these defenders and their families.
We presented our research findings on the mental health challenges faced by these HRDs at
the 6th World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Social Inequality in Cape Town, South
Africa. Our work also reached key international human rights bodies. We submitted two shadow
reports to United Nations bodies directly addressing our areas of research. We published an
article on OpenGlobalRights, summarizing the trauma and risks faced by HRDs and finalized a
book chapter for upcoming publication. This year’s highlight was when student researcher
Nataya Paisley (MHR 2025) presented our findings to the United Nations Expert Mechanism to
Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement.
Our engagement extended to the academic community and affected families. We participated in
the FORGE 2025 conference at New York University, contributing to discussions on the mental
health needs of HRDs and worked in collaboration with other academics around the world to
begin establishing a network of scholars whose research focuses on HRDs. Locally, we were
honored to host Collette Flanagan from Mothers Against Police Brutality for the annual Scallen
Lecture, while also organizing a number of side events for Ms. Flanagan to meet with local
activists and affected family members, fostering a space for connection and support. These
activities underscore our commitment to not only conducting research but also translating our
findings into tangible advocacy and community engagement.