Human Rights Defenders

Human rights defenders expose violations and campaign for redress for victims. They are the people who on their own or with others take action to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights for all. The important thing is not who they are, but what they do. Human rights defenders take peaceful action and believe everybody has equal rights.

More on human rights defenders

 

News and Updates

Uruguay’s Equal Marriage Act a step towards full equality in the Americas

12 April 2013

The Uruguayan Parliament’s adoption of the Equal Marriage Act on 10 April will bolster human rights protections and bring an inclusive society for all a step closer.

Five priorities for Venezuela ahead of elections

4 April 2013

As Venezuelans prepare to go to the polls on 14 April, Amnesty International has identified some of the key human rights issues that every candidate should prioritize in their plans. 

More face charges in Egypt’s escalating free speech and dissent crackdown

3 April 2013

A comedian associated with famed satirist Bassem Youssef is the latest target of Egypt's escalating crackdown on criticism.

UN puts human rights at heart of historic Arms Trade Treaty

2 April 2013

The UN has adopted a new treaty that will prohibit states from transferring arms when they know they will be used to commit or facilitate genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

The long journey towards an Arms Trade Treaty

27 March 2013

Sometimes a simple but potentially revolutionary idea can change the world for the better. But it often takes a crisis to galvanize people to take action, and that's how the idea for a global Arms Trade Treaty was born.

Appeals for action

Reopen investigation into enforced disappearance in Ingushetia!

On 8 August 2007, Ibragim Gazdiev was reportedly seized by armed men and has never been seen since. No effective steps have been taken to trace him.

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Video and Audio

"They found bulldozers crushing their houses” – Kenyan activist on forced evictions

22 March 2012

Teargas in Egypt's Tahrir Square

29 June 2011

Amnesty International's Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui reports from demonstrations in Tahrir Square, Cairo.

Video: The role of Western countries in the Egypt crisis

Senior Director of Amnesty International Widney Brown gives an international political analysis and human rights update on the Egypt demonstrations.

Salil Shetty on Egypt protests

Amnesty International's Secretary General disappointed by military failure to protect protesters

Amnesty International staff member reports from a raid on a Cairo law centre

3 February 2011

The Hisham Mubarak Law Centre has been raided by security forces and surrounded by army and police.

Tunisian government must respect rights amid protests

18 January 2011

Tunisian government must respect rights amid protests

Networking for change

Amnesty International analyses the role of social media in unrest across the Middle East and North Africa.

Gambia Global Day of Action

22 July 2010

Government urged to end its widespread use of arbitrary detentions and torture as activists worldwide stage protests against the authorities' appalling human rights record.

Mexican activist jailed for defending human rights

Interview with Raúl Hernández, a Mexican human rights defender who has been wrongfully imprisoned for his work with an Indigenous community.

Video: Thousands get Fired Up for human rights

22 December 2008

Thousands of people around the world took part in actions to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December.