On the 8th anniversary of the disappearance of the four Syrian human rights activists, Razan Zaitouneh, Wa’el Hamada, Nazem Hamadi and Samira Khalil, the Oxford Syria Society would organizes a panelist of scholars and activists to discuss the human rights movement within the Syrian revolution, derailed by more extremist factions within the Syrian opposition. The panel will discuss how this event has changed the trajectory of the Syrian revolution and the future of human rights work in Syria.

Yassin Al-Haj Saleh is a Syrian writer, intellectual, political dissident, and a former political prisoner. He is the author of numerous essays and five books, most famously “the Impossible Revolution: Making Sense of the Syrian Tragedy,” a collection of chronicles reflecting on the trajectory of the Syrian revolution. He regularly contributes to al-Jumhuriya, and is awarded the Prince Claus Award by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his impact on Syrian society. He is married to Samira Khalil, political dissident, former detainee, and one of the four human rights activists that were kidnapped in Douma in 2013.

Lubna Al Kanawati is feminist Syrian activists and human rights defender based in France. An early participant of the demonstrations in the Syrian Revolution, she dedicated her efforts for humanitarian aid in besieged areas. She led multiple women empowerment projects including “Women Now for Development,” a Syrian NGO dedicated to support women and their families in their struggles during the war.

Sarah Hunaidi is a Syrian writer, human rights activists and the translator of Samira Khalil’s diaries under the siege of Douma. She wrote for multiple influential publications, including Foreign Policy, The Independent, the New Arab, and Buzzfeed. She is currently a Communications and Advocacy Consultant for the Syria Campaign, and has worked for the Middle East Institute and Independent Diplomat.

The event will be online. Please register below and we will follow-up with the link to join.