This is a unique gathering that brings together around 30 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) human rights and democracy defenders, who are currently outside or exiled from the MENA region. This conference maintains the spirit of hope of people in MENA for democracy, dignity and human rights.

At the gathering, defenders will share their perspectives on state and society in the region, and their vision for the future. They will also present on public panels with participants invited from the public sector, academia, civil society and activist communities in Canada as an opportunity for the mutual sharing of knowledge, visions and ideas. Those panels will cover topics such as the political and human rights in the Middle East, socio-political mobilization initiatives and community organizing, the role of the Arab diaspora in their homelands and new country, professionalization of political and human rights information collection and knowledge production, and future projections for the MENA region. Meanwhile, ample space and time will be allowed for smaller group discussions and networking.

Panel Information (please note that this is still preliminary and subject to change)

Morning Sessions:
• An Assessment of the Political Situation in MENA
• Forming the Narrative on the Human Rights Situation in MENA and the Role of the Diaspora

Afternoon Sessions:
• Understanding the role of the International Actors and International Policies towards Human Rights and Democracy Defenders
• The Impact of Diaspora advocacy on International actors decisions

This event is organized by the Joint Chair in Women's Studies at Carleton and the University of Ottawa in partnership with the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) at the University of Ottawa and the Zajel Institute for Justice and Liberty.