Defenders' stories

Cynthia Palacios Reckziegel works in international advocacy for the Center of Legal and Social Studies (CELS) in Buenos Aires. She shared her hopes for a future in which women in Argentina can access reproductive health services without being discriminated.

'A leader needs to have a goal. My target is the grassroots community, mostly the Indigenous persons, because I feel they are mostly left out when it comes to human rights issues and that they are the ones that also suffer a lot when there are violations.'

Daniella Solano Morales, a committed advocate from Costa Rica, speaks about her efforts to promote respect for sexual diversity and protect LGBTI and HIV youth human rights through strategic engagement with UN mechanisms and educational projects.

'I remember to be hopeful, not because it feels good or because I am waiting for something to happen on its own, but because I believe in my own power and the magic we create when queer people, Black people, women come together to channel our rage, righteous and raw, into sustained action.' We were privileged to hear human rights defender Alicia Wallace's powerful message and would like to share her story with you below.

Marisa Hutchinson, board member of EQUALS, tirelessly advocates for the visibility and rights of LBQ women in Barbados, striving towards legislative equality and societal acceptance within the community.

Mphatso Sakala, founder and director of the Intersex Society of Zambia, champions the rights and well-being of intersex individuals by promoting inclusive health policies and enhancing visibility amongst policymakers and healthcare providers.

Alexus D'Marco, founder of the D’Marco Organization and Caribbean Coordinator of Redlactrans, passionately advocates for the rights and recognition of LGBTI and intersex persons in the challenging socio-cultural landscape of the Caribbean.

Linda RM Baumann, a pivotal advocate for LBT women's rights and strategic coordinator for Namibia’s Diverse Women Association (NDWA), passionately works to ensure protection and recognition for marginalised communities.

Karla Avelar, a finalist for the Martin Ennals Award in 2017 and a former ISHR trainee, is a dedicated advocate for LGBTI rights in El Salvador. As a trans woman and activist for over two decades, she has continued her fight despite facing intensified persecution, threats, and extortion.

Cleopatra Kambugu, a transgender activist and grants administrator at UHAI EASHRI in Uganda, successfully campaigned for transgender rights, becoming Uganda’s first recognised trans citizen in 2021.

Otgonbaatar Tsedendemberel, co-founder of the LGBT Center of Mongolia, has been a pivotal figure in advancing LGBTI rights through education, advocacy, and strategic use of UN mechanisms to influence government policy.

Aych McArdle, a New Zealand human rights defender, focuses on enhancing LGBTI inclusivity in schools and advocating for broader protections under the nation's Human Rights Act.