From Communities to Courtrooms: How Local Approaches Are Rewriting Human Rights

Step into a powerful conversation that redefines activism through the concept of localization and its essential impact on propelling and sustaining human rights advancements worldwide.

Join a distinguished panel of international human rights attorneys, investigative journalists, and local advocates from across the globe for a compelling discussion and live Q&A session entitled "From Communities to Courtrooms: How Local Approaches Are Rewriting Human Rights." This webinar will explore how localization ignites and sustains human rights progress and corporate accountability globally. Through real-world examples, you'll be able to delve into how legal precedents set in American and European courtrooms in partnership with local advocates can inspire and enforce policy changes in countries like Colombia and Ghana, highlighting the vital role of localized advocacy in fostering multinational change.

Key topics include:

  • Exploring the concept of localization and its crucial role in both igniting and sustaining human rights advancements on a global scale.

  • Building effective partnerships with local advocates

  • Navigating the complexities of accountability in remote jurisdictions

  • Creating forums to discuss strategic case filing in order to address justice vacuums.

Here is what to expect:

  • Exclusive Insights from Trailblazers: Gain direct access to international human rights attorneys, investigative journalists, and grassroots advocates who are leading the charge for justice and accountability. Learn firsthand how their localized efforts are driving systemic change and shaping global policies.

  • Real Stories, Real Impact: Discover how localized efforts have sparked and sustained global movements, pushing the boundaries of corporate accountability and human rights protection. These are not just discussions - these are stories from real people making real change.

  • Interactive and Immersive: Participate in a dynamic Q&A session where your voice matters. This is your chance to interact with and learn from our expert panelists, ensuring you leave with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose.

  • Build Lasting Connections: Network with like-minded advocates, professionals, and changemakers who are committed to advancing human rights. Forge meaningful connections that can amplify your impact and foster collaborative efforts.

Learn more about our speakers:

  • Executive Director, International Rights Advocates 

    Terry Collingsworth is the Executive Director of International Rights Advocates (IRA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. He is a renowned human rights lawyer with extensive experience in international labor law and corporate accountability. Collingsworth has been at the forefront of efforts to hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights abuses in their global supply chains. He has litigated numerous high-profile cases against major companies, focusing on issues such as child labor, forced labor, and dangerous working conditions. Before founding IRA, Collingsworth served as the General Counsel and Executive Director of the International Labor Rights Forum. He has also taught international law at several universities. Throughout his career, Collingsworth has been recognized for his groundbreaking work in leveraging an extensive international network to bring lawyers, educators, and human rights activists together to collaborate on strategic litigation, public policy, consumer campaigns, and targeted actions. His efforts have contributed significantly to the development of transnational human rights litigation.

  • Sustainability Officer working in the Ghana Cacao Farming Sector and Executive Director at Imperial Child Rights and Women Empowerment (ICRAWE)

    Bright Debrah Adjei is a sustainability expert and human rights advocate based in Ghana. With a degree and background in agriculture, he works as a Sustainability Officer in Ghana's cacao farming sector and is the founder and Executive Director of Imperial Child Rights and Women Empowerment (ICRAWE). Bright specializes in climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, child labor remediation, and women's empowerment. He has conducted significant research on child labor in the cocoa industry for organizations like IRAdvocates and CBSNews. Through ICRAWE, Bright focuses on improving the lives of cocoa farmers and promoting children's education in rural communities. He is also a master trainer in financial inclusion and Village Savings and Loans Associations. Married with two children, Bright continues to drive positive change in Ghana and contribute to and lead global sustainability efforts.

  • Founder of Coffee Watch, Board Member at Climate Defiance, Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite

    Etelle Higonnet, attorney and environmental activist, has worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts. She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'Ordre du merite for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, palm oil, rubber, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is a graduate of Yale Law School. 

  • Journalist, Executive Producer, and director of three international documentaries: "The Dark Side of Chocolate," "Shady Chocolate," and "The Chocolate War”

    Miki Mistrati is an award-winning director and Executive Producer with over 25 years of experience crafting impactful documentaries. Proven track record of pushing boundaries and garnering accolades, including 12 awards and 36 nominations across 13 countries. Produced and directed The Dark Side of Chocolate, Shady Chocolate, Cadbury Exposed, MARS Exposed, and The Chocolate War. Directed or executive produced over 85 documentaries for major networks like ARD, NDR, BBC, Channel 4, and CBS NEWS. Also, a published author of 15 books.