Protect Human Rights Defenders
Since January 2012, more than 72 countries have passed laws that are used to restrict basic human rights like free speech and the right to protest. The people standing up for their rights are attacked in the press, harassed, imprisoned and sometimes even face death.Since 1998 at least 3,500 people have been killed for their human rights work. 2017 was the deadliest year yet with the death toll climbing to over 300.
Who are human rights defenders?
They are ordinary people like you and me. They are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers. They could be doctors, farmers, admin assistants or unemployed. What unites them is their burning desire to protect their families and communities. They put themselves on the front line to stand up for the rights that many of us take for granted. We need to stand with them and let them know they’re not alone.
What are we doing?
In 2017 Amnesty International launched a global campaign called BRAVE, with the goal of protecting human rights defenders (HRDs) across the world. We’re fighting for people and communities, connecting activists around the UK and teaching kids about HRDs in schools.
We’ve seen some amazing success already. For example, this year Amnesty campaigned for the release of a Cambodian activist called Tep Vanny. As mentioned in the last newsletter, Tep was pardoned and released from prison in August.
Another crucial part of this work is asking the UK Government to urgently respond to the unprecedented level of attacks on HRDs by making this a priority for its human rights work abroad.
We want our MPs to take action for HRDs by pressing for a better response from the UK government. You can help by emailing your MP today.
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions/uk-protect-human-rights-defenders |
