ìfé Thompson to Speak at UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination, The Hague

Ifè Thompson, of our Crime & Family team, will speak at the fifth UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination in The Hague on Thursday 29 October 2026.

With a specialist focus on addressing anti-Blackness in criminal defence cases, Ifè’s practice engages with the ways in which racism operates within the criminal legal system and the role of legal advocacy in challenging discriminatory structures and practices.

Ifè will contribute to the session, ‘The Power of Law: Strengthening Legal Protection Against Discrimination and Racism’, examining the role of law in advancing protection against racism and discrimination.

Taking place on 29–30 October 2026 at the World Forum in The Hague, the Forum is organised by UNESCO and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Office of the Dutch National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism. Bringing together governments, international organisations, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, the Forum provides an international platform for advancing collective action against racism and discrimination.

Under the theme ‘From Commitment to Accountability: Change the System, Change the Future’, this year’s Forum will focus on translating commitments into meaningful action, strengthening accountability and advancing lasting systemic change.

From a human rights and movement lawyering perspective, confronting racism requires more than formal commitments to equality. It demands sustained scrutiny of the institutions and structures through which discrimination is reproduced, alongside legal strategies that centre the experiences of those most affected. Addressing anti-Blackness within criminal defence is a vital part of this work.

We are pleased that Ifè will contribute her expertise to this important international discussion.

Event details

Session: The Power of Law: Strengthening Legal Protection Against Discrimination and Racism

Date: Thursday 29 October 2026

Location: World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands

Forum: UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination 2026

Register to attend: https://www.globalforum2026.com/page/2307613