#InternationalWebinar “Universal Human Rights’ obligations and the persecution of Christians in South Asia

Keynote Speaker:

Dr. John Dayal

“Dr. John Dayal, is one of India’s foremost voices on Peace, Civil Liberties, and Religious Freedom. Researcher, writer and occasional documentary filmmaker, he has a long record of investigating and producing substantive and influential documentation on targeted violence against religious minorities, Dalits and Tribals. He is also a strong voice against Capital punishment and Nuclear weapons. He is or has been a member of several governmental and academic bodies, including the National Integration Council chaired by the Prime Minister of India. He was co-founder and Secretary General of the All India Christian Council, two-term National President of the 100 year old All India Catholic Union, and Spokesman of the United Christian Forum. His books include For Reasons of State – Delhi under the Emergency [Penguin] [published, republished with Ajoy Bose], Gujarat – Untold and Retold Stories, A Matter of Equity – Interrogating Secularism in India, Reconciliation: Karwan-e-Mohabbat’s Journey of Solidarity Through A Wounded India [Westland Books -Amazon.in], and Educating India [Media House].

Speakers:

1. Marina Zucca

“Marina Zucca is an expert in international humanitarian law and a human rights defender who has worked in conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa. She lectures at the prestigious University of Padua in Italy and is a frequent panelist at the sidelines of UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. She has also worked for the Organisation for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

2. Cynthia Stephen

Independent Media Professional Gender & Development Policy Researcher & Analyst Bangalore, India

3. Rev. Fr. Saleh Diego

Vicar General/Parish Priest St. Patrick’s Cathedral Saddar Karachi

4. Fr. Ryan Joseph

Priest of The Archdiocese of Karachi Rector of St. Pius X Minor Seminary

5. Dr. Syed Khuram

Covener

South Asia Research Institute for Minorities

Host:

Syeda Kissa

Program Office / Research Associate

South Asia Research Institute for Minorities

Co-Host:

Mehwish Naseem

Research Associate

South Asia Research Institute for Minorities