AFI-ILA and INHR are convening the side event “Reversing Democratic Backsliding” during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council to examine how democratic safeguards can be restored in contexts of democratic erosion. Bringing together voices from international human rights mechanisms, civil society and advocacy organisations, the discussion will explore the legal, policy and institutional tools needed to protect freedom of expression, civic participation and artistic freedom, and to ensure that democratic renewal leads to more resilient institutions rather than a return to the previous status quo.
Panelists will discuss the recurring mechanisms of democratic erosion and how international actors can reinforce, rather than replace, national institutions. Drawing on the US experience, they will address the limits of litigation and the role of civic mobilisation, and they will consider artistic freedom and cultural institutions as part of democratic infrastructure. The discussion will also turn to Hungary, where democratic renewal raises the question of how to balance urgency with public consultation. It will close with transnational cooperation among pro-democracy actors and the complementary use of UN mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review, treaty bodies and Special Procedures.
Panelists
Bikramjeet Batra, Democracy Adviser, OHCHR Rule of Law Section
Skye Perryman, President & CEO, Democracy Forward
Márta Pardavi, Co-chair, Hungarian Helsinki Committee
Sanjay Sethi, Co-executive Director, Artistic Freedom Initiative and Initiative pour la Liberté Artistique
Moderator
Luke Wilson, Deputy Director for European Operations, INHR
