Human rights defenders risk their lives every day. Social leaders, environmental activists, trade union leaders and indigenous people defending human rights and the environment are threatened and attacked around the world. How can we reverse this negative trend and support those who defend their rights?

A discussion between human rights defenders from Colombia and Zimbabwe, Swedish civil society organizations and decision-makers.

Participants:

Viviana Garzon Ramirez – Founder of the organisation La Mixera in Colombia

Winnet Shamuyarira – Militarisation and Violence against Women Coordinator, WoMin, Zimbabwe

Cecilia Ruthström-Ruin – Ambassador for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Birgitta Weibahr – Lead Policy Specialist Democracy and Human Rights, Policy Support Unit, Sida

Moderator: Anna Stenvinkel, Secretary General, ForumCiv