Defenders' stories

I hope for a future built on compassion, unity and hope." Nicoline Nwenushi wazeh Tumasang, a courageous and inspiring human rights defender from Cameroon shares her story of hope, resilience and fight for gender equality.

'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.

'My goal in life is creating an environment in which every woman or girl can exercise her human rights and live to her full potential.' Baiye Frida Ebai, a passionate human rights advocate with over 14 years of experience promoting and protecting women and children's rights in vulnerable communities in Cameroon, shared her inspiring story with us.

Abdoulaye Kanni from Niger discusses his commitment to human rights defence, detailing his strategic use of UN mechanisms to promote good governance, press freedom, and the protection of human rights defenders in his country.

We are privileged to have met a young, passionate human rights defender - and HRDAP 2018 alumni - who works so that everyone can "live in a better world, a just and humane society in harmony with nature and climate."

All human beings have the right to live with dignity, no matter whether they are documented or not. Meriem El May and Sofia Vegas both work for Permanence MNA/RMNA, a Geneva-based legal centre that protects young unaccompanied migrants.

Luisa Rios, Office Director for the Madre Dios branch of the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA), tirelessly advocates for the rights of environmental defenders combating illegal activities in Peru’s forests. Her leadership steers crucial legal support initiatives, aiming to fortify the legal and human rights of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

Maryam Al-Khawaja, a prominent Bahraini-Danish human rights defender, continues her relentless advocacy for democracy and human rights. As Vice-Chair of the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights, and a board member at ISHR and CIVICUS, Maryam champions the interconnectedness of global human rights causes.

Angkhana Neelapaijit, a formidable advocate for justice in Thailand, channels her personal tragedy into a fight against enforced disappearances and for the protection of human rights defenders, especially women facing sexual harassment and intimidation.

Patricia Schulz is a Swiss lawyer specialised in international human rights law and gender equality. She is a Senior research associate at UNRISD, the United Nations Research Institute on Social Development, and a former member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

Igor Pereira Bastos from Brazil collaborates with the Global Catholic Climate Movement and Franciscan Action of Ecology and Solidarity, where he champions environmental and social justice. With a focus on grassroots and global initiatives, Igor's work confronts Brazil's inequality by advocating for housing, land rights, and sustainable economic practices.

Olga Karach, Chief of International Centre for Civil Initiatives 'OUR HOUSE' in Belarus, is celebrated for her enduring advocacy for human rights, receiving multiple international awards including the Human Rights Award of the City of Weimar and the Alexander Langer Prize.