Wake Up, Fight Back: Opening the Global Week Against Torture

This powerful opening session sets the tone for the week: urgent, determined, and survival-centered.It brings together high-level voices and frontline activists to reaffirm a core truth - torture must retain a red line, and change must be driven from the ground up.

• Welcome and Introduction (Gerald Staberock, OMCT Secretary General) - A five-minute opening that frames the week ahead: what's at stake, why we're here, and who must lead - especially survivors and civil society actors.
• Personal Reflection (Hina Jilani, Chair of the OMCT General Assembly) - A deeply moving, personal account of the lifelong struggle against torture. Jilani reflects on the power of conviction and community, and reminds us why the fight continues - with courage and clarity.
• Victims and Survivors Driving the Fight Against Torture - In a moderated dialogue, Andrea Casamento (Argentina) and Kolbassia Haoussou (Chad) share how survivors are not just part of the movement - they are their leaders.This is a strategic conversation on structural change, real inclusion, and survivor-led advocacy.
• Network Panel: Defending Against Torture Around the World - Regional leaders from Africa, MENA, and Europe share how civil society is holding the line against rising repression. They offer sharp insights on current challenges, grassroots strategies, and hopes for the week ahead.
• Closing Words (Gerald Staberock) - A unifying message to end the session: wake up the crises we face, this week begins not in despair, but in defiance—with shared purpose, vision, and resolve.
• Moderation by Ana María Rodríguez, Director of Comision Colombiana de Juristas

Core Messages:

• The human rights framework is under threat—our response must be collective.
• Survivors are not symbols—they are leaders.
• Change won’t come from above. It starts with us.
   

Languages spoken: English
Interpretation available in: FR / EN / ES / RU / AR