On October 29th, Honorary Consul Dana Bucin attended the inaugural summit on Human Rights and the Global Assault on Democracy at University of Connecticut’s Dodd Center for Human Rights. This event brought together Nobel prize winners, thought leaders, policymakers, activists, scholars, students, artists, and business leaders from around the world to address the pressing threats to democracy and the crucial role of international justice and the rule of law.
The discussions at the summit shed light on the rise of authoritarian leaders, the increasing violence faced by democratic institutions, officials, journalists, and activists, and the persistence of voter suppression and barriers to electoral participation. The summit also delved into the lack of access to information, whether through state-controlled media or the spread of disinformation and dangerous speech, which continues to shape false political narratives, incite violence, and erode public trust.
The summit covered a range of important topics, including global and domestic threats to democracy, the role of memory in defending democracy, and a focus on accountability for the atrocities in Ukraine.
It was an honor for the Honorary Consul to meet Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and civil society leader, who heads the non-profit organization Center for Civil Liberties, recently awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, the first Nobel Prize awarded to a Ukrainian citizen or organization. She also had the privilege of meeting former Senator Christopher Dodd, a dedicated public servant who has made significant contributions to our democracy.
Additionally, she had the pleasure of meeting Radenka Maric, the president of the University of Connecticut, who is responsible for leading Connecticut's flagship university and its extensive research and service endeavors, and Professor Timothy Fisher, Dean Emeritus of UConn School of Law.
As the Honorary Consul of Romania, Dana Bucin is committed to forging strong relationships with the faculty at the Dodd Center for Human Rights and exploring opportunities for bilateral exchanges with Romania in the areas of democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
As an Immigration Attorney and human rights defender, Dana Bucin is also eager to mobilize students of the Uconn Human Rights Institute curriculum to put their exceptional education into practice by advocating for immigrant and refugee rights.
The summit was a critical venue for sharing insights, building relationships, and inspiring action. It is clear that contemporary threats to democracy are complex, but with collective action, we can work towards a more just and inclusive world and continue to fight for democracy, human rights, and the values that uphold our societies.