2023 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Program Group infront of the UN building in Geneva ©Ben Buckland
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2023 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme participants and ISHR staff in front of the UN building in Geneva ©Ben Buckland

Defenders' stories

Here at ISHR we are constantly being inspired by the brave people taking action to defend human rights and want to share some of their stories with you.

Daniella Solano Morales from Costa Rica

'To promote respect for sexual diversity is important. I really hope to promote social projects based on respect for LGBTI people,' says Daniella Solano Morales, consultant and promoter with MULABI Latin America Space for sexualities and human rights in Costa Rica.

In this video, Daniella reflects on the necessity of her work and on how using UN mechanisms can help improve its impact and bring about change on the ground.

Alicia Wallace from the Bahamas

"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.

Karla Avelar from El Salvador

A former ISHR trainee, Karla Avelar defends the rights of LGBTI people. She is a finalist of this year’s Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. In an exclusive interview with ISHR, she talked about her award nomination and what it means to be a trans woman and human rights defender in El Salvador.

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