Jessica Klander to Participate in UN Human Rights Council Briefing

March 2, 2026

Bassford Remele is proud to announce that Jessica Klander, President of Bassford Remele and the Hennepin County Bar Association, will join a panel of Minneapolis-based lawyers and advocates in Geneva on March 4, 2026, for the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The panel will provide unique insights ahead of the United States’ Universal Periodic Review (UPR), rescheduled for this November, and will explore the operations and impact of federal enforcement efforts in the United States.

Jessica will appear alongside UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor and several representatives from Minnesota organizations leading human rights defense and documentation efforts. Together, the group will examine key findings, lasting impacts, and future implications in this critical area of advocacy.

You can read the official announcement and find the invitation to watch the Livestream via Zoom, prepared by the University of Minnesota, below:

This week a delegation from the University of Minnesota Law School’s Human Rights Center is in Geneva, Switzerland to participate in the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In parallel with the council session, the Human Rights Center and partners are hosting a public event on “Federal Enforcement Operations in Minnesota: Frontline Perspectives on the Human Rights Crisis and Response.” Please see below to join the session online via Zoom:

Federal Enforcement Operations in Minnesota: Frontline Perspectives on the Human Rights Crisis and Response

Join this briefing with a delegation of lawyers and advocates from Minnesota to hear the latest analysis of the ongoing and lasting impact of US federal operations, including during Operations Metro Surge and PARRIS. Experts will outline the nature of violations and attacks on the rule of law, as well as the local civil society responses and short- and long-term accountability strategies.

Speakers will include representatives from the Human Rights Center and Binger Center for New Americans of the University of Minnesota Law School; The Advocates for Human Rights; and the Hennepin County Bar Association. Framing remarks will be offered by Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; and Lucy McKernan, UN Deputy Director, Human Rights Watch.

Date: Wednesday, March 4

Time: 6:00-7:00 AM CST (1:00 – 2:00 PM Geneva/CET)

Location: Livestream via Zoom

Register here!

This event is hosted by the Human Rights Center, Advocates for Human Rights, Binger Center for New Americans, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute, and International Service for Human Rights.

Bassford Remele proudly serves as local and national counsel for many major corporations and Fortune 500 Companies and is a go-to litigation firm representing local, national, and international clients in state and federal courts across the region. The firm provides comprehensive counsel and representation in litigation and dispute resolution, family law, and corporate matters, ensuring prompt and effective service for its clients.

Established in 1882, Bassford Remele is proud to be the oldest top-25 law firm based in Minnesota.

News & Events

We’re on the forefront of what’s new and what’s next in the legal world. See the latest updates from our team for seminars, legislative guidance and more.

Winning the Right Way