On 10 December 2024, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, with the support of Right Livelihood, hosted a workshop in honor of Human Rights Day, commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Dr. Pal Dunay, Interim Director of the OSCE Academy, opened the event by acknowledging the continued relevance of the UDHR. He reflected on the historical context in which it was drafted by Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin, noting that while challenges have evolved, the universality of human rights remains far from guaranteed. “While many enjoy full access to human rights, billions are still denied them—either partially or entirely. Today is not only a celebration but also a call to continue advocating for human rights,” he stated.

Following Dr. Dunay’s remarks, H.E. Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized the centrality of human rights to peacebuilding: “These regions were—and still are—places where peace is essential, and peace cannot exist without human rights, though we often forget this today.” Prof. Manfred Nowak, Secretary General of the Global Campus of Human Rights, joined the workshop virtually to speak about the UDHR and the importance of human rights education.

The first panel, “Celebrating Human Rights 76 Years after the UDHR,” opened with Ambassador Alexey Rogov, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, who discussed “The OSCE’s Role in Supporting and Promoting Human Rights.” Mr. Hans Farnhammer, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, followed with an overview of EU-funded human rights initiatives in the region. Dr. Anja Mihr, Academic Director of the MAHRS Programme, joined online to speak on “Current Challenges for Human Rights in the World and in Central Asia,” offering a comprehensive analysis of the region’s human rights landscape. The panel concluded with Ms. Karlygach Nurmanbetova, MAHRS Programme Specialist and Children’s Rights Officer at the Global Campus Central Asia, presenting on “Child Rights-Related Activities in Kyrgyzstan: The Work of the Right Livelihood Foundation.”

During the coffee break, participants and speakers had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas. The second panel featured presentations by MAHRS students on pressing human rights issues, moderated by Dr. Dunay.

• Ms. Rakhilia Torogul kyzy (Kyrgyzstan, MAHRS 2023–2025) presented on “Autonomous Weapons and Global Governance.”
• Mr. Javad Mohammadi (Afghanistan, MAHRS 2023–2025) discussed “Good Governance in Afghanistan and Tajikistan: Institution Building After Conflict.”
• Ms. Rachel Cantlow (UK, MAHRS 2024–2026) addressed “Challenges and Opportunities of Universalism in Human Rights.”
• Mr. Navruz Erkaev (Tajikistan, MAHRS 2024–2026) closed the session with “Equal Access to Free Education in Tajikistan: Limits and Potentials of Article 26 of the UDHR.”

These student presentations demonstrated not only the depth of their academic engagement but also their strong commitment to advancing human rights through research and advocacy.

The workshop concluded with an open discussion, reinforcing the OSCE Academy’s dedication to promoting the principles enshrined in the UDHR.

This event was made possible through the generous support of Right Livelihood.