Human rights defender’s story: Teo Soh Lung from Singapore
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.
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2024 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP) participants and ISHR staff in front of the UN building in Geneva ©ISHR
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Stephania Koulaeva from Russia
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Sharon Hom, Chinese defender from the United States
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Angela Mudukuti from Zimbabwe
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Nora Bowier from Liberia
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Alberto Solis Castro from Mexico
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.
Human rights defender’s story: Will McCallum from the United Kingdom
Will McCallum of Greenpeace UK delves into his advocacy for environmental rights amidst governmental pushback and legislation limiting NGO activities.
Human rights defender’s story: Jean-Pierre Okenda from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Jean-Pierre Okenda champions human rights in the DRC's extractive sector, advocating for legal reforms and community empowerment.
Human rights defender’s story: Muchamad Darisman from Indonesia
Muchamad Darisman advocates for workers' rights in Indonesia's rapid industrial growth, facing challenges from restrictive legislation and the influence of foreign corporations.
Human rights defender’s story: Attila Mraz from Hungary
Attila Mraz of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union champions political participatory rights amidst Hungary's diminishing democratic space, advocating for fair practices, and legal reforms.
Human rights defender’s story: Lira Ismailova from Kyrgyzstan
Lira Ismailova, from Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan, advocates against restrictive laws and Russian influence, striving to safeguard civil society space and support human rights defenders.
Human rights defender’s story: Soraya Aziz Souleymane from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Soraya Aziz Souleymane leverages her corporate background to advocate for community rights and governance in the DRC's mining sector, emphasising collaboration and strategic engagement for change.