Changemakers interested in advancing access to justice, equal rights, and anti-corruption as part of a strengthened rule of law movement gathered last month in The Hague to set the stage for building more just communities around the world. Below find reflections from some of the hundreds of participants on what they learned and how they plan to push forward. 

‘Only Death Can Stop Us’: Kyrgyz Journalist Fights for Freedom 

Kyrgyz journalist Bolot Temirov was detained as a result of his reporting on corruption in his home country and continues to struggle for freedom even after his release. His YouTube channel, Temirov Live, was a World Justice Challenge finalist during the Forum—it is the first media channel that reports on corruption in Kyrgyzstan.   

Temirov’s wife, also a long-time journalist, spoke at the World Justice Forum about his battle with the government.  

“We will keep on going and keep fighting,” she told Whistleblower Network News.  

Every single person is a potential activist today

“In the 2020 Sustainable Development Goals we said that this would be the Decade of Action, it is actually the Decade of Agitation,” writes CIVICUS Secretary General Lysa John, Secretary General in a reflection on her World Justice Forum experience.  

Grounding Equal Rights in Law 

The best way to guarantee equal rights around the world is by passing comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, argues Jim Fitzgerald, director of the Equal Rights Trust. Learn about his organization’s collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to make this goal—also included in the Forum final statement—a reality.  

World Justice Forum Reinforces Global Commitment to Access to Justice

The Youth Justice Simulation at the World Justice Forum

“Wandering through a room where adults are embodying the roles of children and youth from across the world, we saw the magic of discovery and bursts of understanding.” 

Baker McKenzie’s pro bono practice leader Angela C. Vigil shares her experience participating in the “Promoting Non-Discriminatory and Inclusive Access to Justice for All Children: A Simulation” at the World Justice Forum.  

Did you participate in the World Justice Forum?