20 January 2026
Bilbao
On 20 January, the University hosted the seminar “Defending Human Rights: Challenges and Protection Mechanisms”, organised by the Pedro Arrupe Human Rights Institute. The event provided a space for reflection and dialogue on the current challenges faced by human rights defenders and the mechanisms available to protect them.
The seminar included a presentation on the European mechanism ProtectDefenders.eu, delivered by Javier Roura, head of programmes and partnerships for the initiative. He outlined the tools and support this mechanism offers to respond to the risks faced by defenders in different contexts.
A key focus of the discussion was the recent publication Human Rights Defenders Under Siege, resulting from the AHRI network conference held in Bilbao in 2024. The discussion featured Luis Enrique Eguren, from Protectivalab and a member of the Institute’s advisory committee, alongside Felipe Gómez, a researcher at the Institute and one of the book’s editors. They explored the main conclusions of the publication and the challenges posed by the current global context for human rights advocacy.
The event also included the participation of Ainhoa Zugasti Bilbao, Director of Human Rights and Victim Support of the Basque Government, whose contribution highlighted the importance of institutional commitment to protecting defenders and promoting public policies that guarantee their rights and safety.
This seminar reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering academic debate, and developing concrete responses to the threats faced by those defending human rights worldwide.
