The dangers of an authoritarian regime don’t end with liberation or exile—no place is ever completely safe, though some are safer than others. Living in constant fear undermines recovery, making it essential to rebuild a sense of safety. Physical security is not just protection—it’s the foundation for healing and moving forward.

Through its Political Prisoners Support Team, WLC offers support via online sessions to help strengthen this process.

You can also download the After Liberation Handbook for free on the WLC website.

Four years ago, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This war is not only about borders — it is about sovereignty, democracy, and the right of a nation to choose its own future.

World Liberty Congress stands with Ukraine and with all those defending freedom against authoritarian aggression.
#StandWithUkraine

For freedom fighters around the world, Berlin represents more than history. It stands as proof that repression is not permanent, that authoritarian systems can crumble, and that solidarity across borders can change the course of nations.

We are proud to share that the World Liberty Congress is joining the Berlin Freedom Society, a coalition uniting public and private stakeholders to strengthen Berlin as a welcoming hub for activists, dissidents, and defenders of democracy worldwide.

Together with our partners in Berlin, we are committed to supporting those who work to ensure that more walls — both visible and invisible — fall everywhere.

The World Liberty Congress is honored to receive the 2026 Noble Prize – Guardian of Democracy Award at The World Forum 2026 in Berlin.

Presented into the hands of our WLC delegation during the Forum, this recognition strengthens our commitment to defending democracy and fundamental freedoms worldwide.

We would like to dedicate this to the million political prisoners and would like to affirm our mission: to stand firmly as guardians of liberty and democratic values everywhere.

Three years ago, Félix Maradiaga, President of the World Liberty Congress, was released after more than 600 days in prison for standing up to authoritarianism in Nicaragua. His release came as part of a mass expulsion: on February 9, 2023, the Ortega-Murillo regime freed 222 political prisoners, only to banish them from the country and strip them of their citizenship — an act widely described as unprecedented in Latin America.
For Félix — and for so many former political prisoners around the world — freedom remains incomplete. Detention and silence were followed by statelessness and forced exile, denying them the right to return home or reclaim their identity.
His story is not unique. Across the globe, authoritarian regimes replace prison walls with exile, releasing political prisoners only to leave them stateless, separated from their families, and deprived of their most basic rights.
Freedom is not just walking out of a cell. It is having a country, an identity, the right to return home, and the ability to rebuild life without fear. Today is not a celebration. It is a reminder: Release is not freedom.

Carine Kanimba—former WLC spokesperson during the General Assembly in Berlin—shares an overview of the work the World Liberty Congress has been building since its very beginning. She highlights how WLC has grown into a global movement bringing together pro-democracy leaders, activists, and dissidents united by a common mission: defending freedom and standing up to authoritarianism.

Free Iran

📢 The World Liberty Congress applauds Mexico City Mayor Mauricio Tabe for rejecting the normalization of dictatorships and standing up for democracy across the Americas.

Read the statement here: https://worldlibertycongress.org/statement-by-the-world-liberty-congress-the-americas-region/

The World Liberty Congress expresses its deep concern over the events that have taken place in Honduras in recent days, which point to an accelerated deterioration of democratic institutions, a climate of political confrontation, and troubling signs of undue pressure on the system of checks and balances.

Read the statement here: https://worldlibertycongress.org/world-liberty-congress-statement-on-the-democratic-situation-in-honduras/

The World Liberty Congress condemns the arbitrary arrest of our member, Sarah Bireete—a respected Ugandan lawyer and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance—reportedly taken into custody without disclosed charges.

Coming at a moment of heightened political tension ahead of Uganda’s upcoming elections, her detention raises urgent concerns about escalating repression and the intimidation of independent civic voices.

We are equally alarmed by reports that the authorities have publicly listed other WLC members and allied human rights defenders, placing them at heightened risk of abduction, arrest, and harassment in the days and months ahead.

WLC calls for Ms. Bireete’s immediate release, full access to counsel and due process, and an end to the targeting of human rights defenders and pro-democracy advocates in Africa—and we urge Ugandan authorities to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in which all citizens can participate without fear.

From Madagascar to Berlin, WLC members share what it meant to stand alongside fellow freedom fighters at the World Liberty Congress General Assembly. They reflect on the power of global solidarity, the shared values that unite the movement, and the challenges they face defending democracy at home—showing how being part of the WLC strengthens their resolve to continue the fight for freedom in Madagascar.

Hager Eissa, WLC Leadership Council member and a Sudanese activist, speaks about the devastating war that has displaced millions of people and left the country facing severe shortages of food and medicine. Recalling the 2019 uprising, she emphasizes that the creativity and solidarity of young people are Sudan’s main source of hope and part of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice around the world.