12. Werner Lottje Lecture

The Philippines has been one of the most dangerous countries for human rights defenders for years. Those affected include farmers from the agrarian reform movement, environmental activists, progressive local politicians and indigenous people who campaign for the preservation of their ancestral territories.

They are defamed, criminalised and victims of assassinations and enforced disappearances. Human rights defenders are systematically denounced as anti-state and accused of supporting communist rebels.

With the 12th Werner Lottje Lecture 2025, we honour the Filipino activist Dyan Gumanao from the Alliance for Concerned Teachers.

She campaigns for the labour rights of teachers as well as for the investigation of murders of human rights defenders. Because of her commitment, she herself has repeatedly been the target of state persecution.

What challenges do human rights defenders in the Philippines face? How can the international community support human rights work on the ground? How can Germany contribute to improving the human rights situation?

We will discuss these and other questions with our guests:

• Dyan Gumanao, Coordinator of the Alliance for Concerned Teachers
  
• Stefan Stähle, Head of Division Southeast Asia/ASEAN at the Federal Foreign Office
  
• Astrud Beringer, Coordinator of the Action Alliance Human Rights - Philippines
  

Simultaneous translation English - German will be provided.

Registration is requested:

https://ewde.guestoo.de/sl/WLL2025