On the evening of Thursday, 3rd July 2025, Omega Research Foundation proudly joined other leading human rights and humanitarian organisations from Greater Manchester at the ‘Northern Heart, Global Reach: Greater Manchester’s Humanitarian Impact’ event. Hosted in the historic Samuel Alexander building at the University of Manchester, the event brought together local leaders, CSOs, academics, and members of the diplomatic community to advocate for the protection of human rights and to emphasise the need for sustained humanitarian and human rights funding.
The event was organised by Global Manchester, a coalition of Manchester-based humanitarian and human rights organisations including Omega, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Action for Humanity, Hope for Justice, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (HCRI), and UK-Med. Global Manchester aims to foster collaboration among these organisations and raise their profile both locally and nationally.
Guests attending the event included distinguished figures such as Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester, His Excellency Mr. Douangmany Gnotsyoudom, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Ambassador Ba Samba Mamadou from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The diplomatic community was well-represented, with consular representatives from Iraq, Ireland, Denmark, Iceland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic all showing their support.
The programme featured moving speeches by representatives of MAG and Action for Humanity, highlighting ongoing humanitarian crises in Syria and Ukraine. Attendees also viewed a short film illustrating the powerful global impact of Manchester-based humanitarian organisations.
At the event, Omega highlighted our work monitoring the global trade in law enforcement and security equipment and its use in torture and other human rights violations. Our stand drew considerable interest from attendees with whom we discussed our research and mission to strengthen international regulations that prevent human rights abuses facilitated by law enforcement and security equipment.
The evening reinforced the vital role Manchester-based humanitarian and human rights organisations play on the world stage. By bringing together voices from academia, the diplomatic community, and civil society, the event showcased the region’s leadership and deep commitment to advancing human rights and humanitarian values — demonstrating that organisations outside capital cities can have a significant global impact. Omega Research Foundation is proud to have contributed to this important gathering and looks forward to continuing to work with our Global Manchester partners to advocate for stronger global human rights protections.
Cover photo credit: Orla Holohan