Unsilence Forum
14/16 Nov. 25

A euromediterranean gathering for peace, justice and democracy in the face of authoritarianism

Authoritarianism, war, genocide and systemic oppression thrive in silence.

The complicity of indifference and the invisibility of injustice strengthen impunity.

Today, more than ever, we need a common and collective voice — one that breaks the silence.

In times like these, silence is not neutrality: it is complicity.

It is time to think, create and resist.

What is the UNSILENCE FORUM?

The UNSILENCE FORUM is a call to reclaim collective voice, responsibility and power in times of genocide, environmental crisis and authoritarianism. It brings together diverse voices committed to justice, peace, feminism and environmental protection to amplify silenced perspectives and challenge dominant narratives.

The forum questions the rhetoric promoting total militarisation without debate or justification — undermining social well-being and environmental sustainability, and risking the escalation of conflict. It also seeks to inspire coordinated action across movements and borders.

In short, the UNSILENCE FORUM is not only a space of resistance, but also one to reimagine the Euro-Mediterranean region as a community rooted in solidarity, dignity, peace, democracy and mutual care.

“The abdication of judgment and responsibility allows the worst crimes to be committed in broad daylight.” — Hannah Arendt

Why now?

Barcelona, November 2025: a pivotal moment.

The UNSILENCE FORUM takes place at a moment of deep geopolitical and historical significance:

Gaza

War and genocide have exposed the collapse of international law and the fragility of narratives that mistake a ceasefire for real peace.

Western Sahara

Fifty years of Moroccan occupation symbolise the failure of the international system to guarantee self-determination and uphold international law.

UN Resolution 1325

Twenty-five years recognising the essential role of women in peacebuilding and human rights defence.

Barcelona Process

Thirty years of an initiative meant to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Its legacy reveals an increase in militarised security, border externalisation and shrinking civil society space — a trend likely to intensify under the new Mediterranean Pact.

Authoritarian rise

In this context of historical memory and contemporary urgency, the forum aims to share experiences, build alliances and design collective actions to confront genocide, militarisation, authoritarianism and systemic injustice.

Objectives

  • Foster collective reflection

    On the rise of authoritarianism, the erosion of democratic values and the rollback of human rights — civil, political, economic, social, cultural, digital, environmental and gender-based.

  • Create spaces for dialogue and exchange

    Among activists, organisations and professionals from the Euro-Mediterranean region to share experiences, build alliances and amplify narratives rooted in peace, justice and dignity.

  • Stimulate collective imagination

    To propose viable alternatives to militarism, extractivism and border regimes — through artistic, political and social tools that inspire hope and action.

  • Reframe dominant narratives

    Challenging fear-, security- and militarisation-based discourses, and promoting new imaginaries of solidarity, care and interdependence, centred on ecological, feminist and decolonial perspectives.

Who makes it possible?

International Comitee

  • Euromed Rights
  • International Peace Bureau
  • ICAN - International Civil Society Action Network
  • European Civic Forum
  • TNI
  • Un ponte per
  • LDH
  • WSNS - Western Sahara Is Not For Sale
  • Transform Europe!
  • Solidar
  • Stop ReArm Europe
  • ARCI
  • NovACT

In collaboration with

  • Ajuntament Barcelona
  • Agencia Catalana de Cooperació al Desenvolupament
  • Gobierno de España - Ministerio de Cultura