Anexa Alfred Cunningham is a human rights defender and an advocate for the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendent communities in Nicaragua. In response to her engagement with UN bodies, the government of Nicaragua has sent her into forced exile.
Nepal's recognition of international legal frameworks is contributing to the development of national legal norms acknowledging issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Olga Valle is a human rights defender and activist from Nicaragua who works for the citizens’ electoral watchdog Urnas Abiertas.
On 14 March 2023, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders launched a report celebrating their achievements. The report uses and pushes for a more effective and positive narrative on those who defend human rights.
The objective of both the report and the side event is to re-emphasise that the work of human rights defenders is legitimate, effective and for the common good.
'We should not allow intimidation to take us away from our work. If we seek local remedy and there is no way, we should be able to at least get to regional and international mechanisms that will compel governments to conform to our work.'
‘Witnessing the realisation of human rights in our countries would be a great joy because that is what we work towards.’
'Daily challenges are quite difficult sometimes. But I am convinced that, when we do good, when we commit to human rights, whatever the difficulties that come before us, we will always be able to overcome them in full solidarity.'
'If we work together to make sure that issues are more visible, that happen in Africa, civil society organisations, I think, will be achieving more.'
'International advocacy is a tool to advance our human rights work, but it is also a tool that will support us in consolidating our protection as women human rights defenders.'
