#idefend is an initiative of the European Union in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The campaign, entitled #idefend, aims at raising public awareness of the valuable contribution civil society actors provide to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, but also of the risks they are exposed to.

 

Every day in every part of the world, NGOs, Human Rights Defenders and other civil society representatives contribute to the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights. They are also an integral part of the UN Human Rights Council, where it is their voices and stories that provide States with essential information on human rights violations. Yet, civil society actors across the globe, including those who attend the Human Rights Council, are too often exposed to harassment and intimidation.

  

The #idefend campaign takes a firm public stance to support the voices of civil society.

  

#idefend photo booth in Geneva from 2-5 March 2015

 

A photo booth in the UN Palais des Nations invites all participants of the Human Rights Council to join the campaign by having their photo taken with a #idefend slogan.

  

Post your #idefend photo from across the world

 

Everyone can join #idefend - whereever you are. Simply choose one of the #idefend slogans, take your photo and post it on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #idefend

  

Who do you defend?

 

#idefend those who speak up for human rights

 

#idefend those who promote and protect women's rights

 

#idefend those who are committed to the human rights of every child around the globe

 

#idefend those who advocate for social and economic rights

 

#idefend those who speak up against all forms of discrimination