On 18 July, the world celebrates the birth and legacy of Nelson Mandela: In prison for 27-years, South Africa’s first democratic president, resilient spirit, and compassionate advocate for human rights for all. It’s been 30 years since the world rejoiced his release from prison as a global icon of peace. Yet, all around the world people are still imprisoned, persecuted, and harassed for their stand for freedom, rights and democratic values, and for calling out corrupt governments and multinational companies.
They are asking you to #StandAsMyWitness.
Thousands are in jail following unfair trials and trumped-up charges. Many are currently in pre-trial detention, facing long prison sentences for their human rights activities. For defenders locked up in overcrowded prisons, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens their already precarious health and welfare. They need you to use your voice so they are not silenced.
Launching on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, the campaign calls for rights defenders’ immediate release from jail and persecution, and for states, authorities and multinational corporations to guarantee peaceful human rights activities – without fear of reprisals and intimidation.
Adding your voice will give human right defenders, families, friends and colleagues a reason to renew their hopes for a better future during these unprecedented times.
1. Engage on Social Media.
Use this social media toolkit to share your messages of solidarity. https://thesocialpresskit.com/standasmywitness
2. Send a Letter.
We’re featuring 6 activists to shine a spotlight on their cases and demand their immediate release. They are from 6 countries, and you will find 6 template letters for each of them! Take a look. Choose 1, or if you have time 2. Write to their respective governments and demand their release:
3. Share the details of HRDs not mentioned in our Interactive Map.
Do you know any human rights defenders in detention or facing judicial harassment that you would like us to profile? Tell us about them by following the link below.
Interactive Map of Human Rights Defenders in Detention
https://www.civicus.org/index.php/involved/support-campaigns/stand-as-my-witness
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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