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.
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.
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.
Romel Rubén Gonzalez Diaz, a passionate defender from the Indigenous and Popular Regional Council of Xpujil, advocates for the rights and sustainable development of Indigenous communities in Mexico, focusing on dignified housing, environmental protection, and sustainable management of natural resources.
Mariana Zaragoza, a dedicated advocate working in the immigration programme at the Ibero-American University of Mexico, tirelessly champions the rights of migrants and refugees, promoting a culture of hospitality and robust protection of their rights amidst challenging policy environments.
Flor Calfunao Paillalef, a Geneva-based Mapuche rights defender and designated 'Apo Werken' (Ambassador) of the Mapuche people to the UN, works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples and the legal recognition of the Mapuche community.
Sor Rattanamanee Polkla, a dedicated Thai lawyer and co-founder of the Community Resource Centre Foundation, passionately advocates for the rights of rural communities affected by development projects in Thailand.
Xavier Martinez, Technical Director at CEMDA, the Mexican Centre for Environmental Rights, has dedicated 25 years to advocating for the human right to a healthy environment in Mexico, working to empower communities and reform public policies.
Azadi, a pseudonymous human rights defender, is dedicated to protecting the rights of migrants and refugees, advocating against the criminalisation of migration and promoting a Europe of solidarity and civil society.
