2025 Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP) participants and ISHR staff in front of the UN building in Geneva ©Ben Buckland for ISHR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Will McCallum of Greenpeace UK delves into his advocacy for environmental rights amidst governmental pushback and legislation limiting NGO activities.
Jean-Pierre Okenda champions human rights in the DRC's extractive sector, advocating for legal reforms and community empowerment.
Muchamad Darisman advocates for workers' rights in Indonesia's rapid industrial growth, facing challenges from restrictive legislation and the influence of foreign corporations.
