The AOHR-NE holds its second conference … and emphasizes the importance of promoting the culture of human rights in society.

The Arab Organization for Human Rights in Northern Europe held its second annual conference in The Hague on the evening of Friday, September 28, 2024. The conference reviewed the organization’s activities over the past year, during which it completed official licensing procedures in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, secured membership in the Arab Organization for Human Rights network (Cairo), held several events to publicize and introduce the organization, and identified key issues that hinder the integration of the Arab community into hosting societies of Northern European countries. Additionally, it followed up on a number of urgent matters and issued several press statements on these issues. The AOHR-NE also participated in three external missions, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute for Human Rights and Civilization in the United States, and launched a fundraising campaign for victims of the Zionist aggression against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Conference members discussed the importance of focusing on promoting the culture of human rights in society and developing the role of Arab civil institutions in educating refugees, migrants, and residents about European laws and regulations, as well as ways to address family and asylum issues.

The conference also explored the mechanism for activating the organization’s program to assess the human rights situation in Northern European countries, in light of the rise of far-right groups to power in several of these countries, the escalation of hate speech and discrimination against refugees and foreigners in political and media discourse, the increase in repressive actions against peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations and gatherings, and the use of incitement and punitive measures, both criminal and administrative, to impose a political agenda.

The conference concluded by emphasizing the need to strengthen cooperation between various institutions in Northern European countries and with European Union institutions. It also urged participants and those interested in human rights work to join the organization and activate files related to the affairs of Arab citizens in Europe.