Human rights defenders are unique. They dare to challenge unjust systems, the selflessness to protect others while risking personal stability, and the belief that change is possible, even if slow.
I Defend Rights was born from a curiosity about these individuals dedicated to their communities. What drives them? Why did they choose such a challenging path? How do they persist despite constant obstacles?
Partnering with the Norwegian Human Rights Fund, we set out to capture the voices of human rights defenders from around the globe. Using the Memria platform, we recorded, organized, and shared hundreds of stories. Some defenders responded through the platform from their homes. We interviewed others using the platform and our mobile devices.
The result is a rich mosaic of causes and voices, offering insight into why people commit to defending rights and how they endure challenges. Among them are Dalit women standing against India’s caste system, teachers who see their work as a form of human rights defense, and storytellers bringing these stories to wider audiences.
You can find them on the I Defend Rights website or Permanent.org. If you're unsure where to start, explore some of our curated selections.
You can find them on the website of I Defend Rights, through the Internet Archive, or Permanent.org. If you're unsure where to start, explore some of our curated selections.
Two advocates challenge the caste system that has oppressed millions of Indians, deemed "untouchables" for centuries.
We asked defenders what inspired them to protect human rights. Many credited their mothers as key influences. These are the lessons that shaped their lives.
Human rights defenders come from all walks of life. Each one, no matter how unknown or distant, helps lead humanity toward freedom, justice, and dignity.