Defenders' stories

Ivette Gonzalez, a defender from Mexico, advocates for business accountability and human rights, facing risks in a context where defenders and journalists were increasingly threatened.

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.

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.

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.

Alejandro González of PODER champions corporate accountability in Mexico, aiding communities against abuses and promoting transparency amidst threats to activists and journalists.

Lassana Koné is a lawyer in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, working for Forest Peoples Programme, an international NGO working to protect the rights of those who live in the world’s forests.

Mexican activist Bettina Cruz recently attended the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights. In this profile, she tells ISHR why the human rights violations in her region and her own criminalisation made this a priority.