How To Participate in the Human Rights
Defender Program

For many years, Human Rights First has been involved in advocacy and campaigning in support of lawyers, judges, and activists persecuted for their defense of human rights around the world. We conduct this work as part of our Human Rights Defender Project (formerly the Lawyer to Lawyer Network).

Human Rights First regularly prepares case descriptions of lawyers, judges, and advocates who are threatened, harassed, persecuted and even killed for their human rights activities. When we need urgent action on one of our cases, we will send you - by email or regular mail - a description of the case and an action to be taken. Typically, we ask Project participants to write to government officials; we will always provide you with sample letters or language and the fax numbers or email addresses of the recipients.

These letters not only provide moral support to the victims and their families, they also provide practical assistance and protection. Governments made aware that their actions are being scrutinized by an international audience tend to open prison doors, commute sentences, stop torture or pursue murder investigations.

To receive appeals from the Human Rights Defender Program by email, please type in your email address on the left.

If you have questions, email defenders@humanrightsfirst.org