Human Rights Litigation and Advocacy, with Joshua Colangelo-Bryan

Join the Human Rights Center and moderator Professor Chris Roberts for a discussion with Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, Special Counsel at Human Rights First. Josh will speak about his experience leading impact litigation and advocacy efforts to advance international human rights, uphold democratic principles, and support defenders of human rights globally. 

At this current moment, with unprecedented challenges for defending rights in our community, we hope you’ll join us for this session with a visiting expert to hear about comparative experiences and consider relevant strategies for promoting human rights accountability.

Josh is in Minneapolis as part of the launch of his book with Twin-Cities based Humanitas Media, Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay. You are also invited to join a book talk with Josh in conversation with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison '90 at Magers & Quinn on January 27 at 7:00pm. 

About the Speaker

Joshua Colangelo-Bryan is Special Counsel at Human Rights First, and came to Human Rights First from an international law firm where, for over 20 years, he maintained a pro bono practice focused on human rights, civil rights, and national security matters, while also engaging in criminal defense work and complex civil litigation. His recent work includes suing Turkey for assaulting peaceful protestors in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration for attempting to deport a college student based on her pro-test activity, and a U.S. pastor who fomented legislation in Uganda criminalizing the LGBTQI community. 

Joshua has conducted human-rights investigations in countries such as Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain, and defended clients facing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) for protected speech. He represented Guantanamo detainees for many years and has captured his experience and insights in his new book with Twin-Cities based Humanitas Media, Through the Gates of Hell: American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay.

Please note

In person: in-person attendance is permitted only for UMN students, faculty and staff. 

Online: non-UMN attendees are invited to join us via Zoom.