The FAU Research Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU CHREN), with the kind support of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is planning an event on 20 May 20 2026, featuring the renowned UN expert Irene Khan.
Freedom of expression under pressure worldwide
The freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, enabling us to pursue knowledge, debate ideas, and challenge power without fear of censorship or retaliation. Yet around the world, this freedom is increasingly under pressure from state and non-state actors. Challenges include political interference and censorship, but also the pitfalls of mis-/ disinformation and hate speech in online and social media communication as well as the need to find solutions that protect the freedom of expression transnationally.
Germany also affected
As the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, noted after her country visit to Germany in February 2026 the freedom of expression is shrinking amidst growing threats, also in Germany.
About the Event: A Conversation with Irene Khan
Join us for a timely discussion with Irene Khan, as we explore current threats to freedom of expression in Germany and beyond. The conversation will bring together students and academics to consider how freedom of expression can be protected in an era of polarization and shrinking civic space. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a moderated Q&A following the discussion.
About the Speaker
Irene Khan was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression in June 2020 and is the first woman to hold this mandate. An internationally recognized advocate for human rights, gender equality and social justice, she was Secretary-General of Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009 and Director-General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2010 to 2019. Ms. Khan is affiliated with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and has been Consulting Editor of the Daily Star, Bangladesh’s largest English newspaper.
The event is made possible through Alexander von Humboldt Funding awarded to the Chair for Human Rights Law at FAU.
All information about the event, as well as registration details, can be found in the FAU CHREN event calendar.
Image: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-opinion-and-expression
The FAU Research Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU CHREN), with the kind support of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is planning an event on 20 May 20 2026, featuring the renowned UN expert Irene Khan.
Freedom of expression under pressure worldwide
The freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies, enabling us to pursue knowledge, debate ideas, and challenge power without fear of censorship or retaliation. Yet around the world, this freedom is increasingly under pressure from state and non-state actors. Challenges include political interference and censorship, but also the pitfalls of mis-/ disinformation and hate speech in online and social media communication as well as the need to find solutions that protect the freedom of expression transnationally.
Germany also affected
As the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, noted after her country visit to Germany in February 2026 the freedom of expression is shrinking amidst growing threats, also in Germany.
About the Event: A Conversation with Irene Khan
Join us for a timely discussion with Irene Khan, as we explore current threats to freedom of expression in Germany and beyond. The conversation will bring together students and academics to consider how freedom of expression can be protected in an era of polarization and shrinking civic space. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a moderated Q&A following the discussion.
About the Speaker
Irene Khan was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression in June 2020 and is the first woman to hold this mandate. An internationally recognized advocate for human rights, gender equality and social justice, she was Secretary-General of Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009 and Director-General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2010 to 2019. Ms. Khan is affiliated with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and has been Consulting Editor of the Daily Star, Bangladesh’s largest English newspaper.
The event is made possible through Alexander von Humboldt Funding awarded to the Chair for Human Rights Law at FAU.
All information about the event, as well as registration details, can be found in the FAU CHREN event calendar.
Image: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-opinion-and-expression