“There is no way to defeat fascism at home without combating empire abroad” – Noura Erakat

Human rights are under pressure, both 'here' in Belgium and Europe, and 'there' in Palestine and eastern DR Congo, where outright genocide is taking place. 

According to the Palestinian-American human rights lawyer Noura Erakat, these two situations cannot be separated from each other. Referring to the colonial "boomerang effect" (coined by Aimé Césaire), she demonstrates that US and European support for a genocidal regime in the Middle East goes hand in hand with increasing repression and authoritarianism at home. 

Just think of the criminalisation of peaceful protests, restrictions on freedom of expression, erosion of the rule of law, increasing Islamophobia, dehumanisation and persecution of refugees, and the shrinking space for civil society. All of these trends can be witnessed to a greater or lesser extent in the US and Europe, and Belgium is no exception.

In the lead-up to International Human Rights Day, we reflect on the fact that human rights are never simply a given, but must be fought for again and again. Spreken is Goud and Grenzeloos invite you to join us for a much-needed reflection on what is happening right now and why we must continue to fight for the human rights of everyone – 'here' and 'there'.

Human rights lawyer Anissa Boudjdaini talks to Kati Verstrepen, president of the League for Human Rights, Ahmad Al Aydi, Palestinian human rights activist working at Broederlijk Delen, and Flor Didden, migration policy officer at 11.11.11. 

Palestinian clarinettist Ahmed Hawwash will close the evening with an intimate performance, accompanied by Tom Peeters on the guitar.

The conversation is in English.

Grenzeloos is a collaboration between 11.11.11, Broederlijk Delen, Oxfam, MO*Magazine and Spreken Is Goud van De Roma. Under the banner of Grenzeloos, these partners organise various activities focusing on international solidarity and justice.

Image: Tineke Dhaese / Oxfam