Geneva Institute for Human Rights Concludes the Fourth Regional Training Course, “Dr. Amin Mekki Medani Course,” with the Participation of Human Rights Defenders from Arab Countries, Eritrea and Canada
Geneva, 2 September 2026
The Geneva Institute for Human Rights (GIHR), in cooperation with the Regional Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), concluded today, Wednesday, the fourth edition of its regional training course on human rights concepts and mechanisms, held in honour of Dr. Amin Mekki Medani.
The five-day intensive online training brought together 40 women and men human rights defenders from various Arab countries, as well as Eritrea and Canada, reflecting the rich geographical, professional and academic diversity that characterized this edition of the course.
The closing session featured remarks by Ms. Ansam Al-Abayji, representing the Regional Office of OHCHR; Mr. Moataz Amin Mekki Medani, representing the family of the late Dr. Amin Mekki Medani; and Nizar Abdelqader Saleh, Executive Director of the Geneva Institute for Human Rights, alongside members of the training team and graduates of the course.
In her remarks, Ms. Ansam Al-Abayji, representing the Regional Office of OHCHR, praised the partnership between the Regional Office and the Geneva Institute for Human Rights, describing the course as an example of joint efforts to strengthen the capacities of human rights defenders in the Middle East and North Africa and beyond.
For his part, Mr. Moataz Amin Mekki Medani, representing the family of the late Dr. Amin Mekki Medani, delivered a moving speech in which he expressed his happiness at being with the participants once again at the conclusion of the course. He recalled that, during the opening session, he had shared with them a personal and human side of his father’s life as a father, relative and friend who worked away from the spotlight and positions of office.
He noted that throughout the course he had seen the human principles and values embodied by his father in his daily life “coming to life” through the participants’ commitment and engagement. He described this as a moment in which “the torch is being passed smoothly and beautifully” to a new generation of women and men human rights defenders.
The family representative expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Nizar Abdelqader Saleh, stressing that the family’s gratitude to him “is not merely a matter of protocol, but comes from a heart full of appreciation,” in recognition of his sincere efforts, genuine commitment and heartfelt dedication to keeping the legacy and journey of their father alive in the hearts and minds of human rights defenders.
He also thanked the trainers and experts who dedicated their time and expertise to supporting the participants, as well as the Institute and organizers for their excellent organization and care.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Moataz Amin Mekki Medani commended them for choosing the path of human rights work and standing in defence of those who suffer injustice, describing it as “a difficult path, full of sacrifices.” He noted that human rights defenders often work for people who may not know about their efforts or fully realize what is being done for them behind the scenes.
He reassured the participants that their families are “fully aware” of the sacrifices they make by choosing this noble path, and that they recognize and deeply appreciate those sacrifices.
Mr. Moataz Amin Mekki Medani concluded his remarks by noting that the days of the course coincided with the eighth anniversary of the passing of his father, Dr. Amin Mekki Medani, who passed away on 31 August 2018. He called on everyone present to remember him in their prayers and ask for mercy and forgiveness for him. He concluded by wishing the graduates success in their future work and expressing hope that they would return to their respective roles “with stronger determination and deeper faith in the foundations of justice and humanity.”
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Institute stated that the conclusion of the course represented “a moment worthy of pause and reflection,” noting that its organization was the culmination of months of joint efforts between the Institute and the Regional Office of OHCHR.
He highlighted the rich diversity of the participants’ academic, professional and cultural backgrounds, considering this diversity an important factor in enriching the course content and deepening the discussions held throughout the five days.
The Executive Director reaffirmed that the doors of the Geneva Institute for Human Rights would always remain open to the graduates of the course in all matters related to human rights, particularly human rights protection mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels. He stressed that the completion of this course forms part of the Institute’s 22-year journey of uninterrupted and dedicated work.
The closing session concluded with expressions of thanks and appreciation to the Regional Office of OHCHR for its valuable partnership, to the family of Dr. Amin Mekki Medani, to the distinguished training team, to the Institute’s staff who worked behind the scenes, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the fourth regional training course.
The Geneva Institute for Human Rights expressed its full confidence that this distinguished group of women and men graduates will carry the responsibility forward and play their role in promoting and protecting human rights in their respective countries.