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Second Annual Human Rights Lecture Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square

On October 9, 2019, The Catholic University of America hosted its Second Annual Human Rights Lecture, featuring renowned Chinese human rights advocate Chen Guangcheng, often called the “barefoot lawyer” for his work defending the vulnerable against government abuses despite being blind and self-taught in law. The lecture focused on the legacy of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and the continued struggle for justice and freedom under the Chinese Communist Party.

Drawing from his own harrowing experiences—including years of imprisonment and house arrest—Chen offered a powerful firsthand account of the repression still faced by dissidents, religious minorities, and others who challenge the regime. His remarks underscored the deepening crisis in China and the urgent need for international solidarity in defense of human dignity.

Following his address, Chen joined William Saunders, J.D., Director of the Program in Human Rights at the Institute for Human Ecology, for a wide-ranging conversation on how the global community might confront human rights abuses through legal reform, diplomatic pressure, and grassroots activism.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, offering students and guests the chance to dialogue directly with one of the world’s most courageous voices for freedom. The evening served as a stirring reminder of the stakes involved in defending fundamental rights—and of Catholic University’s commitment to doing so with resolve and compassion.

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