Human Rights Foundation 2025 College Freedom Forum

Hosted and produced by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), the College Freedom Forum is a series of events on university campuses designed to connect students with world-renowned activists working to promote democracy and human rights in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes.

At the College Freedom Forum, students gain exposure to some of today’s most pressing human rights issues, resources to enhance their academic endeavors, and connections for professional growth. We aim to engage the next generation of scholars, policymakers, journalists, business and nonprofit leaders, and educators in critical dialogue about human rights.

Hosted in collaboration with GW’s International & Comparative Law program, this half-day event will explore the critical intersection of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and international legal mechanisms.

Note: We will conduct ID checks at the event. Please bring a valid photo ID.

Students will explore the global struggle for democracy and strategies for protecting freedom in closed societies through a panel discussion, Q&A session, and keynote talks by activists, including:

• Lebanese gender and sexual rights activist,
• Venezuelan lawyer specializing in human rights and international law, Génesis Dávila
• Former president of the Tibetan government in exile,
• Human rights lawyer and child of Azerbaijani political prisoner

Host or Publisher GW International & Comparative Law Program