Sharifeh Mohammadi, Pakhshan Azizi & Verisheh Moradi, Iran | Ahmed Mansoor, United Arab Emirates | Narges Mohammadi, Iran | Arnon Nampa, Thailand | Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, Eswatini | Buzurgmehr Yorov, Tajikistan | Chow Hang-Tung, Hong Kong | Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, Bahrain/Denmark | Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov, Tajikistan | Viasna human rights defenders, Belarus | Kenia Hernández, Mexico | Hoda Abdel Moneim, Egypt | Khurram Parvez, India | José Rubén Zamora, Guatemala

Imagine being imprisoned. Not for a crime, but for raising your voice, for demanding justice, for protecting your community. 

This is the reality for human rights defenders (HRDs) across the globe. They are everyday people just like you and me. HRDs are teachers, farmers, lawyers, artists, and students. They step forward to stand up for human dignity, equality, and justice. They speak out when silence means complicity. They act in the face of fear. They defend freedom of speech, fight for environmental justice, protect marginalised communities, and hold those in power accountable.

But in doing so, they often become targets.

In an unjust world, defending rights comes at a cost. Threats. Harassment. Imprisonment. Even death. Governments and powerful actors try to silence them because their courage exposes corruption, discrimination, and abuse. Yet HRDs continue, driven by the belief that change is not only necessary, but it is possible.

Without HRDs, countless injustices would go unseen. Oppression would go unchallenged. Progress would come to a stop.  

Their work makes human rights a living reality, not only words in a document. They help build freer, more equitable societies, ones where everyone can thrive without fear. When they defend rights, they defend all of us.   

We must listen. We must amplify their voices. We must advocate for their safety. 

Supporting them begins with recognition. When we name them and share their stories, we show the world that they are not alone. We create a shield of solidarity. 

We must listen. We must amplify their voices. We must advocate for their safety. Support begins with recognition. When we all come together, as a collective power to name them, share their stories, show the world that they are not alone, we create a shield of solidarity.

You can be their ally. Join the movement. Say their names. Write letters. Sign petitions. Support organisations that fight for their safety. And most importantly, refuse to be silent. 

They deserve protection, not persecution. 

In standing for them, we stand for justice, dignity, and a better world for all. 

Do you know a human rights defender who is currently behind bars for promoting rights? Help us bring attention to their stories and tell them, "You’re not left behind”. Click here to share their information.