In his speech, he outlined the many crises facing societies across the European Union, and how they are exacerbating issues already faced by the human rights system. This includes the repudiation of rights, the erosion of democratic institutions and the persistence of human rights violations.

The Director illustrated six responses to take to revitalise human rights, including through building alliances, relying on obligations and entitlements that are grounded in law, using evidence and data as a basis for demands, supporting local activism, using impactful communication methods and providing human rights education.

The audience was made up of around 70 attendees. There were policymakers, academics, civil society, human rights practitioners and champions, and students.