Richard Gere visits Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

On 18 November, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights hosted a meeting attended by Richard Gere, an American actor and a long-standing advocate for human rights, in particular in Tibet. Mr Gere is the chairman of the International Campaign for Tibet and was invited to Warsaw by the HFHR.

The event was an opportunity for a meeting of human rights, environmental, migrant and women’s rights activists. During the meeting, we discussed issues related to human rights in Tibet, but also the challenges faced by human rights defenders in the context of the international situation, especially the crisis of democracy or the refugee crisis.

The meeting was an open discussion that allowed for an exchange of views and experiences. Despite being aware of the challenges we face, we remain optimistic and still firmly believe that actions to defend human rights make sense. We cannot forgo this fight.

The meeting was attended by representatives of organisations dealing with human rights, environmental protection, women’s rights, refugees, as well as lawyers involved in the protection of human rights. Bartosz Węglarczyk moderated the meeting.