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.
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.
Marisa Hutchinson, board member of EQUALS, tirelessly advocates for the visibility and rights of LBQ women in Barbados, striving towards legislative equality and societal acceptance within the community.
Mphatso Sakala, founder and director of the Intersex Society of Zambia, champions the rights and well-being of intersex individuals by promoting inclusive health policies and enhancing visibility amongst policymakers and healthcare providers.
Nfor Hanson Nchanji, an award-winning human rights journalist from Cameroon, shines a light on underreported violations, particularly during the Anglophone crisis, through his platform, Cameroon News Agency.
Cédric Herrou, a farmer, migrant rights activist, and a president of Association Défends Ta Citoyenneté from the Roya Valley in France, shared his testimony, challenges, aspirations, and calls to action to advocate for the rights and well-being of migrants trapped at the French-Italian border.
Alexus D'Marco, founder of the D’Marco Organization and Caribbean Coordinator of Redlactrans, passionately advocates for the rights and recognition of LGBTI and intersex persons in the challenging socio-cultural landscape of the Caribbean.
Abdul Aziz Muhamat, a Sudanese refugee, human rights defender, and the laureate of the 2019 Martin Ennals Award and migrants' rights defender became a beacon of hope for exposing the violations committed against migrants by Australian authorities on Nauru and Manus islands.
Linda RM Baumann, a pivotal advocate for LBT women's rights and strategic coordinator for Namibia’s Diverse Women Association (NDWA), passionately works to ensure protection and recognition for marginalised communities.
Rizal Rozhan, an Advocacy and Capacity-Builder Officer at EMPOWER in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in promoting women's political equality and coordinating national efforts to monitor and implement UPR Recommendations in Malaysia.
Leydy Araceli Pech Martin, a fervent advocate from the Colectivo de Comunidades Mayas de Hopelchén, is dedicated to preserving the heritage and natural resources of her Mayan community in Mexico, advocating for the rights and health of her people against environmental degradation and cultural erosion.
Naayeli Ramirez Espinosa, a dedicated lawyer in Holpelchén, Campeche, provides vital legal assistance to Mayan communities, advocating for environmental protection and their rights to participation, whilst confronting the significant challenges posed by gender biases and a national human rights crisis.
Maiga Djingarey, coordinator of Association Femmes et Droits Humains in Mali, passionately advocates for women's rights, focusing on reproductive health, political participation, and education, aiming to empower women and girls through knowledge of their inherent human rights.
