Defenders' stories

Francess Piagie Alghali, a leading women's rights advocate in Sierra Leone, discusses her transformative journey from the Human Rights Commission to grassroots activism, facing cultural challenges and the struggle for funding while championing women's dignity and rights.

Denis Mukwege, the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate from the DRC, is a distinguished surgeon and human rights advocate dedicated to restoring the dignity of women survivors of sexual violence in conflicts, bravely confronting threats due to his vocal opposition to impunity and economic injustices.

Arul, a dedicated defender from Malaysia, navigates risks and challenges while advocating for economic, social, and cultural rights, amidst frequent arrests and government and corporate pressure.

Allo Awol, advocating from outside Ethiopia, raises his voice against the government's use of legal systems for oppression, highlighting the critical role of international human rights mechanisms in supporting change.

Pedro Tzicá, a K'iche' defender from Guatemala, works tirelessly for indigenous peoples' rights to land and resources, facing government and corporate pressures.

Park Lae-goon advocates against state violence and for victims' rights in South Korea, challenging State impunity through his enduring commitment to justice.

Soh Lung Teo, Director of Function 8 Limited, shares her journey from imprisonment to advocating against arbitrary detention in Singapore, aiming to inspire change and uphold human rights.

Stephania Koulaeva, from ADC Memorial in Russia, battles government oppression and works on a broad range of discrimination issues. Despite facing political repression, her focus expands beyond national borders to include international advocacy for change.

Sharon Hom's relentless pursuit in advocating for human rights in China, amidst an ecosystem of intimidation, exemplifies the profound impact of solidarity amongst human rights defenders.

Angela Mudukuti, lawyer at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, champions corporate accountability for human rights violations in Southern Africa, emphasising litigation and advocacy against entities complicit in crimes against humanity.

Nora Bowier champions community rights in Liberia's extractive sector, facing challenges from corporate influence to inadequate human rights oversight, advocating for lasting change beyond 2016's focus on women's rights.

Alberto Solis Castro highlights the struggles of indigenous communities in Mexico against the overpowering influence of international businesses and the government's role in repressing local opposition to protect corporate interests.