The meaning of human rights would be lost if there was no one to speak about them and defend them wherever and whenever they are violated. In this sense, human rights defenders (HRDs) play a crucial role in monitoring and challenging human rights abuses and violations, contributing as well to the dissemination and safeguard of the core human rights principles.
HRDs address various human rights concerns, ranging from the promotion and protection of civil and political rights to realization of economic, social and cultural rights as well as rights of indigenous people or rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, etc. By standing up for the rights of others against powerful interests, they and their families are often exposed to a wide range of risks and threats, with women human rights defenders facing specific risks.
In its new video FORUM-ASIA highlights the profile of HRDs in Asia and the challenges they face defending human rights, paying homage to their courage and stressing the need for greater protection.
This is a tribute to all HRDs – their commitment and dedication to promoting and protecting not only their rights but those of others, often at their own risks and at the cost of their own lives.
For more information about Asian HRDs and their work, visit our website: http://asianhrds.forum-asia.org/
[videojs mp4=”https://forum-asia.org/uploads/Let’s Protect Human Rights Defenders.mp4″]
