Torture and Human Rights Violations in the Arab Spring Uprisings

The Human Rights Centre and the Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution at the University of Essex are pleased to present:

Torture and Human Rights Violations in the Arab Spring Uprisings

Wednesday 24 October 2012, 5pm to 7pm

CLICK HERE FOR A DIRECTIONS AND CLICK HERE FOR A MAP OF THE COLCHESTER CAMPUS

Since late December 2010 the world has watched the rapid unfolding of events in the Middle East and North Africa, which have led to regime change, international intervention, elections, violence, and what many see as a civil war in Syria. Alongside these dramatic developments, there are numerous reports of torture and other human rights violations taking place across the region from all sides of the various uprisings.

This event brings together activists from the region to speak on issues surrounding regime change, revolution, democracy, conflict, and human rights.

The Struggle for Democracy in Bahrain

Ali Alaswad, Former MP from the Al Wefaq Party

Ali Alaswad is a resigned Bahraini MP from the largest opposition party Al Wefaq. He was elected in October 2010 and resigned in February 2011, alongside 17 other opposition MP’s, in protest at the violent crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrators. During the period of martial law he left Bahrain after he was targeted by the regime and now lives in London where he continues his work for democracy in Bahrain.

The Conflict in Syria

Abdulwahab Sayed Omar, Syrian Opposition Activist

Abdulwahab Sayed Omar is a Syrian opposition activist. He is the spokesman for a UK-based group called British Solidarity for Syria (BSS) which campaigns for Syria’s freedom and the overthrow of the Assad regime. He has many relatives and friends who have suffered and even been killed by Assad’s forces both during the current uprising and before. He is a regular commentator of the Syrian revolution on both TV and Radio.

The Why and How of Torture and Abuse

Peter Clifford, Blogger and Human Rights Activist

Peter Clifford has worked around the world for the last 32 years as a counsellor and psychotherapist, helping particularly the victims of extreme sexual abuse and violence as well as counselling Buddhist monks in Japan. Peter has also lived in the Middle East and was briefly imprisoned in Sudan. He currently publishes a human rights blog at www.petercliffordonline.com

Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International

All are welcome

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