The Future of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Refugee Law Treaties

Update: This event is sold out. Thank you for your interest and support. 

The Future of Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Refugee Law Treaties

Thursday, October 30, 2025

New York City (Register for location)

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

You are cordially invited to join Human Rights First for a discussion on the importance of human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law treaties—cornerstones of the international rules-based order established after World War II.

These treaties have long served as critical safeguards for people around the world, protecting individuals from persecution and ensuring accountability under international law. Yet today, they are facing unprecedented challenges. The U.S. government has initiated a review of participation in international organizations, treaties, and conventions, the outcome of which remains unclear. Just a few weeks ago, it proposed drastic shifts in the global legal framework relating to refugees and asylum—raising questions about its commitment to existing lifesaving treaty protections. 

Amid these concerning developments, civil society organizations across the globe have called on UN Member States to uphold human rights, humanitarian, and refugee treaties, and to reject any efforts to weaken them, as outlined in a joint open letter signed by 268 organizations. The letter urges governments to preserve and strengthen the international legal framework that protects human rights.  

This timely event will explore the role these treaties play in maintaining international stability and the path forward for supporters of human rights and refugee protection, the legal community and the global community more broadly. 

Discussion topics will include:  

• Opportunities ahead to bolster support for treaties and human rights 

• How advocates for human rights and refugee protection can navigate the challenges ahead 

• The role of the legal community in upholding international law and treaty obligations 

• How civil society can expand cross-regional, cross-sectoral constituencies in support of treaty and international legal commitments 

Featured Speakers:

• Uzra Zeya, President and CEO, Human Rights First
• Catherine Amirfar, Human Rights First Board Member; Past President, American Society of International Law (ASIL); Co-Chair, International Dispute Resolution Group and Public International Law Group, Debevoise & Plimpton
• Cornelis (Kees) Wouters, Senior Refugee Law Advisor, UNHCR Division of International Protection and Solutions
• Luis Mejia Rivera, Delegate, Refugee Congress

Moderator:

• Eleanor Acer, Senior Director for Global Humanitarian Protection, Human Rights First

This event is co-organized by the Emerging Leaders Advisory Board (ELAB) of Human Rights First.
Learn more about ELAB and opportunities to get involved by attending the event or visiting the ELAB page.