Stop the Killings Report

In the 20 years since the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was adopted, there has been an exponential growth in the number of people working at local and national levels to defend and promote human rights. This is partly a consequence of political and economic trends that have opened some space (often contested) for freedom of expression and association. Greater access to education and changes in communications technology that makes it more difficult to control information have also been factors. There can be no doubt the positive example of what those engaged in the struggle for human rights have achieved has encouraged others, even if it has also provoked a backlash from those in power. And there is increased recognition of the vital role played by human rights defenders (HRDs) in protecting the rights of their communities and peoples, challenging oppression and gaining public recognition and respect