16th International Sakharov Conference | Authoritarianism on the Rise
Schedule
Thu, 21 May, 2026 at 09:00 am to Fri, 22 May, 2026 at 01:00 pm
UTC+03:00Location
Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės Valdovų Rūmai | Vilnius, VL
Fifty years after the Helsinki Accords, we are witnessing shrinking civic space, political repression, the misuse of mental health systems, and the normalization of ideas once thought impossible in democratic societies.
On May 21 (9:00–17:30) and May 22 (9:00–13:00), the Sixteenth International Sakharov Conference will take place at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius.
Inspired by the legacy of Andrei Sakharov, the conference will bring together scholars, policymakers, and civil society leaders to address:
• The rise of authoritarian governance
• Political abuse of psychiatry
• The shrinking space for NGOs
• Mental health consequences of war and repression
• Resilience and protection of human rights defenders
At a time when democratic values are under pressure, this conference serves as both reflection and call to action.
Registration is now open:
🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc66XrZSfsog7MrucSDya64NED6RYKnIZ92IIxuQdHS9Yy7jQ/viewform
For inquiries: [email protected]
Where is it happening?
Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės Valdovų Rūmai, Vilnius, LithuaniaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:



















