The International Human Rights Committee of the International Law Section presents a series on Human Rights Defenders around the world. The series is a compilation of discussions that elevate challenges facing lawyers, judges and other defenders of justice, democracy, independent judiciaries, and the rule of law. Panels of defenders and other witnesses come together to share pressing violations and recommend actions the ABA, international organizations, and individuals can take to lend support.
“Human Rights Defenders” emerged from the UN Declaration on human rights defenders in 1998. It is among the early UN instruments that recognise the importance of the work of human rights defenders and their need for better protection. “We now know more about their valuable work to promote and protect human rights, as well as the challenges they face. We also know more about how restrictions on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly affect their work. The voices of civil society have been restricted or silenced in every region across the world. Human Rights Defenders face mass surveillance, legislation aimed at restricting their activities, use of counter-terrorism legislation to curtail dissenting voices, as well as harassment of and violence against them.” (Source: Universal Rights Group)
The ABA Rule of Law Initiative, as part of the Center for Global Programs, is another resource for ABA activity on Defender activity. (Visit the State Department additional guidance and recommendations.)