Schwarz-weiß-Fotografie einer Protestaktion in der DDR mit einer Gruppe von Menschen, die ein Banner mit der Aufschrift „Nie genug vom Wahlbetrug“ tragen. Im Hintergrund Transparente und ein historisches Gebäude.
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Thursday, 13. November 2025 – 18:30
„Haus 22“ – Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy

A New Dawn for Human Rights – International Voices of Protest

On-site
Workshop

What connects opposition figures from the GDR, present-day dissidents, and activists for democracy and human rights? In three panels, actors from different generations will meet — each of whom has fought for freedom under vastly different conditions.

They will share personal experiences, reflect on repression then and now, and discuss key issues like freedom of expression, environmental activism, and political participation.

The evening will highlight parallels and differences in protest movements and ask: What does concrete international solidarity look like today?

Program:

Welcome: Michael Heinisch-Kirch, Chairman of the Robert Havemann Society
Panel 1: Wu'er Kaixi (Chinese politician, WLC Leadership Council Member) in conversation with Michael Heinisch-Kirch (GDR civil rights activist)
Panel 2: Natalia Pelevina (Russian activist, WLC Regional Secretary) in conversation with Markus Meckel (German theologian and politician)
Panel 3: William Amanzuru (Ugandan human rights activist, WLC Regional Secretary) in conversation with Tim Eisenlohr (GDR contemporary witness)
Closing statement: Carine Kanimba (Belgian-American political activist, WLC Executive Council / Spokesperson)

As part of the event, there will be a guided tour of the Robert Havemann Society's GDR opposition archive from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Please send your registration for the tour in advance by email to: chiara.schimpe@havemann-gesellschaft.de

More information