From 15 to 21 June 2025, the Global Campus of Human Rights, in cooperation with the European Parliament, will host this year’s edition of the Venice School for Human Rights Defenders at the Monastery of San Nicolò in Venice Lido. Among the 25 participants, 14 activists have been selected and supported by the European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship Programme, representing regions from around the world.
The programme opens with a public event on Sunday 15 June at 17:00, featuring Lorent Saleh, Venezuelan activist and Sakharov Prize Laureate, who will share his powerful story of unjust imprisonment and resistance. The session will be followed by a performance of “La caja de concreto”, a theatrical work written and directed by Alessandro Ienzi, a GC Alumnus, human rights lawyer, actor and founder of Raizes Teatro, an international company using performing arts to promote justice and equality.
Throughout the week, participants will work with distinguished experts in human rights, including:
- Marjolein van den Brink, Utrecht University, expert in anti-discrimination law, intersex issues and gender identity;
- Susana Borràs-Pentinat, Rovira i Virgili University, expert in climate migration, ecofeminism and the rights of nature;
- Kalliope Agapiou-Josephides, University of Cyprus, former Chair of the European Institute for Gender Equality, expert in women’s rights and democratic transitions;
- Antónia Barradas, lawyer and consultant, formerly with Amnesty International and EU-funded projects on women’s rights and digital inclusion;
- Thomas Coombes, communications expert and founder of Hope-Based Communications, former head of communications at Amnesty International;
- Felipe Gómez Isa, professor at the University of Deusto, expert in international law, transitional justice and the rights of indigenous peoples;
- George Ulrich, Academic Director of the Global Campus of Human Rights.
On Monday 16 June, Manfred Nowak, Secretary General of the Global Campus, will lead a key session titled “Engaging with UN mechanisms: treaty bodies and special procedures”, equipping participants with the tools to engage with global accountability systems.
The programme will conclude with a session led by OSCE/ODIHR, introducing Starlight Stadium, an interactive educational game that simulates human rights monitoring through an immersive digital platform.
“The Venice School is a laboratory for the future, where human rights defenders learn together, share experiences, and strengthen their capacity to act in the world. We are always proud to partner with the European Parliament to create a space of learning, networking, and inspiration for those defending human dignity.”
Manfred Nowak, Secretary General, Global Campus of Human Rights
Location: Monastery of San Nicolò, Riviera S. Nicolò 26, Venice Lido
Dates: 15–21 June 2025 | Opening event: 15 June at 17:00
Full programme: PDF
More info: gchumanrights.org/veniceschool
