Equality, dignity and non-discrimination

ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working on issues of equality and non-discrimination.

The right to equality, to be treated fairly, and to be free and protected from discrimination is fundamental to human dignity. It is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all of the core human rights treaties, and in many national laws and constitutions.

Many human rights defenders focus their work on ensuring that people and communities are treated fairly and equally, and to address issues of widespread discrimination, such as systemic racism, sexism or misogyny. Many human rights defenders themselves face discrimination because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, or other characteristics. 

Through this programme, ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working on issues of equality and non-discrimination. This includes women HRDs (WHRDs) and defenders working on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC defenders). It also includes migrant and refugee rights defenders, anti-racism and black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) defenders, as well as other HRDs working to dismantle patriarchal, racist, capitalist, colonialist and other oppressive agendas.

Latest updates

Read our latest news on Equality, dignity and non-discrimination.

Guatemala at critical juncture, urged to re-engage meaningfully with UN rights bodies

The Guatemalan government rejects 40% of recommendations at crucial UN human rights review. Amidst a delicate electoral context, NGOs urge the government to cooperate in good faith with UN bodies and implement key recommendations to address attacks against human rights defenders, justice officials, and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, women, and LGBTIQ+ persons.

Benin UPR: Protect civic space and its defenders

At the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Benin, ISHR and Changement Social Benin delivered a joint statement encouraging Benin to do more for the protection of defenders in the country.

Zambia UPR: Adopt legal measures to protect defenders from reprisals

At the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report of Zambia, ISHR, the Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolutions of Disputes and the Zambia Human Rights Defenders Network delivered a joint statement calling on Zambia to revise its legal instruments and adopt an adequate legal framework to ensure defenders can work in a safe environment without fear of reprisals.

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