Your human rights inspirations

In early January 2022, ISHR Director Phil Lynch shared some of his human rights inspirations. We invited you to be ‘vulnerageous’ – to have the courage to be vulnerable – and to share some of the human rights stories and successes that inspire and give you hope. With thanks and gratitude to those who shared, we’re delighted to offer this curated collection. 

Inspired by women human rights defenders and feminist activists

‘Today and for all 2022 my inspiration is the feminist resistance in Nicaragua – from political prisoners to all their family members – where the leaders in most of the cases are mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, nieces. I am especially inspired by the mothers of all 350 people killed during the crisis and the resistance from April 2018.’ – Carme Clavel Arcas, Feminist activist and woman human rights defender, Just Associates (JASS)

‘Women human rights defenders inspire me – from those who work to ensure women and girls can access education and healthcare, to those who work to protect the vulnerable, end conflict and bring love and peace.’ – Woman human rights defender, Bulgaria

‘I am inspired by and hope for a future built on compassion, unity and hope, where our common humanity and shared vulnerabilities are understood by all. A future where toxic masculinities and patriarchy are dismantled.’ – Nicoline Nwenushi wazeh Tumasang, woman human rights defender, Cameroon

Inspired by efforts to resist oppression and pursue accountability

‘My hope and aspiration is that human rights become non-negiotiable. I want to see communities and the broader population being more engaged and involved in demanding and defending human rights.’ – Rosana Lezama, human rights defender, Venezuela

‘Following a year of intense campaigning by Burmese human rights defenders and their international allies, two of the world’s largest oil producers – America’s Chevron and France’s TotalEnergies – just announced they would cease operations in Myanmar! This will help to starve the military junta of funds.’ – Human rights defender, Myanmar

‘I am inspired by those who continue to struggle for a free Tibet.’ – Li, Human rights defender, China

‘I am inspired by the dignity and bravery of the Khmer-Krom indigenous peoples of Vietnam, struggling to maintain their religion and culture, and to protect their sacred ancestral lands, mountains and forests. In June 2021, four UN Special Rapporteurs wrote a joint allegation letter to the Government of Vietnam about the arbitrary arrest and detention of young Khmer-Krom human rights defenders. This international scrutiny and pressure forced an unprecedented response from the Government. International scrutiny and solidarity for the cause is vital.’ – Chan Thack, President of KKF of Oceania

‘I was really delighted and inspired by Germain Rukuki’s release from prison, which marked the culmination and success of collective and concerted efforts involving local, national, regional and international NGOs, diplomats and UN experts, among others. Germain’s third son was born when he was imprisoned for having documented human rights violations. It is thrilling to know that Germain has now been reunited with his family and loved ones, and is now able to share his experience and speak publicly about human rights violations in Burundi, most recently upon invitation from the European Parliament.’ – Vincent Ploton, Director of Development and Treaty Body Advocacy, ISHR

Inspired by efforts to promote equality and non-discrimination

‘I am a survivor of violence, abuse, threats and intimidation. I am inspired, hope and work for a future in which transgender people will be living freely, without stigma and discrimination, with equal access to all rights and public services like education and healthcare.’ – Mauricio Ochieng’, transgender activist and human rights defender, Kenya

‘I am inspired by Cameroon’s ratification of the Africa Union Protocol on older people’s rights on 28 December 2021. This is a result of our ongoing advocacy and campaign to stop ageism, discrimination, violence, abuse and neglect towards older people, because we want them to have dignified lives enjoying all their human rights.’ – Paulette Metang, Executive Director, Association Camerounaise pour la Prise en charge des Personnes Agées (ACAMAGE), Cameroon

‘Personally, I was happy to see that the Swiss parliament finally adopted a law to create a national human rights institution in Switzerland, something civil society has worked towards for many years. We were also really successful in kicking off a discussion about violence against asylum seekers in federal asylum centres. And finally, the campaign to change the criminal code and move towards a consent-based definition of rape – the ‘Yes means Yes’ campaign – has been picking up speed.’ – Michael Ineichen, Head of Advocacy, Amnesty International Switzerland

‘I was buoyed by the courage, strength and solidarity of a broad coalition of more than 100 civil society organisations and leaders in opposing the UK’s racist Nationality and Borders Bill. As a woman of colour, this is deeply personal for me.’ – Patrice Wellesley-Cole, Community Chair of London’s Hampstead Rotary, United Kingdom

‘“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it / If only we’re brave enough to be it”. I was inspired by Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb” at the US presidential inauguration, and her call for unity, which she delivered on the heels of a divisive election, the January 6 insurrection, with the country very much grappling with issues of racism, hate and division, not to mention the pandemic stretching into its second year.’ – Madeleine Sinclair, NY Director, ISHR

‘As a human rights lawyer, my hope and vision is to be effective in using the law as a means to achieve systemic reform that will positively impact on individuals’ lives. I want to be part of a process and movement that makes human rights rhetoric a reality.’ – Barun Ghimire, human rights lawyer, Law and Policy Forum for Social Justice, Nepal

Inspired by environmental human rights defenders and those working on issues of corporate accountability

‘My inspiration and hope is that we learn the importance of taking care of our health, the trees and nature and that we don’t destroy our natural resources and communities.’ – Romel González Díaz, Mayan human rights defender and member of the Regional Indigenous and Popular Council of Xpujil, Mexico

‘I am inspired by human rights defenders globally, working to protect nature and the environment and to promote justice and democracy. To be a part of this movement brings me great joy.’ – Human rights defender, Nepal

‘I was really inspired by young activist Vanessa Nakate at the COP26. She brought African defenders’ and new voices to the climate fight. She explained how “There won’t be climate justice if specific groups of people are being left behind” and how the African continent has been struck by some of the most dire consequences of climate change.’ – Marina Dailly, Finance Director, ISHR

‘I am inspired by human rights defenders working to promote corporate respect for human rights and accountability for violations, as well as responsible businesses and investors like Aviva who are putting issues like human rights and climate change at the top of the business agenda.’ – Corporate accountability activist, UK

‘I was inspired by the film “Animal” and the young activists and defenders working to address climate change. I am inspired by all of those who educate and inform themselves and others, and continue to strike and yell at the top of their lungs in protests in streets around the world to save ourselves and everything else on this beautiful planet. I hope for all of us to join that call, to open our eyes to a future that includes a mutual respect for Earth and each other.’ – Diego Villanueva, Office and Programme Support Manager, ISHR

‘I am inspired by from people working to change the course of the climate crisis course and pushing governments and corporations to take concrete steps like stopping fossil fuels. We need to listen to the solutions offered by indigenous peoples, grass-root communities and human rights defenders all over the world who are telling us to adopt climate and development measures that address the racism, patriarchalism, colonialism and capitalism in our societies and systems.’ – Marianne Bertrand, Campaign Manager, ISHR