Uyghur Times – Nov 9, 2023
During a three-day gathering, the World Liberty Congress (WLC) made significant strides towards advancing global freedom and democracy. Over 200 freedom and pro-democracy leaders from 56 countries convened, electing a 34-member Leadership Council and Regional Secretaries, releasing the “Pathway to Freedom: Handbook for the Liberation of Political Prisoners,” and reinforcing collaboration to support the more than 1 million political prisoners worldwide and those living under autocratic regimes.
In a groundbreaking move, the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, inaugurated the event. Among the key accomplishments was the establishment of the WLC Youth Liberty Alliance, bringing together 37 young leaders from 28 countries.
Dolkun Isa, the president of the World Uyghur Congress, and the prominent Uyghur leader Orkesh were elected to the leadership council of the Congress to represent the Asia-Pacific region.
WLC co-founder Garry Kasparov expressed his excitement about the global unity, stating, “It is amazing to see people from all over the world being brought together because we believe in core democratic values, in human rights, in free and fair elections.” The official creation of the organization marks a pivotal moment in advancing the cause of freedom globally.
Leopoldo López, another co-founder, emphasized the universality of the struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights, declaring, “We all share the dream of being free,” and highlighted the need to address the challenge of global autocracy affecting 70 percent of the world’s population.
WLC co-founder Masih Alinejad noted the united front of freedom fighters, contrasting the United Nations’ challenges with its mission. “While the United Nations has become a haven for dictators, we, the freedom fighters, are united,” she stated, emphasizing the collective commitment to ending autocracy and defending democracy.
The keynote speaker, Oleksandra Matviichuk, a WLC member and the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner representing the Ukrainian human rights organization Center for Civil Liberties, stressed the uncertainty of the future but underlined the chance to fight for a desired future.
Founded in 2022 by Garry Kasparov, Leopoldo López, and Masih Alinejad, the WLC operates in collaboration with leading global organizations and foundations dedicated to democracy, freedom, and human rights. The congress signifies a significant step toward fostering a global community committed to the principles of liberty, democracy, and human rights.
