Summary: Around the world unprecedented numbers of people have gathered in the face of repressive governments to demand change. They have called for democratic reforms and stronger respect for human rights. This mobilization has led to sweeping political change in some countries and been met with brutal suppression in others. Maina Kiai is the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. He will provide a global overview of these rights and of the challenges and opportunities that arise when people gather in large numbers to speak out about change.
