Stories about discrimination

Human rights defenders speak out against abuse and violations including discrimination, exclusion, oppression and violence.  They advocate justice and seek to protect the victims of human rights violations.  They demand accountability of perpetrators and transparency in government action.  In so doing, they are often putting at risk their own safety, and that of their families.

All human rights defenders, the famous and the not so well known, are in the frontlines of the campaign to stop discrimination.

In 2010 we told the story of a mother in Colombia who campaigned with others to establish the truth of what had happened to her four daughters, we remembered the work of one of the great human rights defenders, Nelson Mandela, we listened as actress Meryl Streep appealed for an end to discrimination against women.  All of these stories and more can be read here and in our archive.

An indigenous community in Burundi battles for equal treatment
The Batwa, a discriminated indigenous community in Burundi, want their rights recognized and are demanding equal treatment.

Bringing a case against racial profiling
Robert Wilkins’ landmark victory in a “racial profiling” case inspired new standards and procedures for law enforcement in United States.

Standing its ground: an indigenous community in the Philippines
At the Voices side event of the Durban Review Conference, an indigenous leader from the Philippines recounts the story of discrimination against his people.

Twenty eight years on, people living with HIV still suffer discrimination
People living with HIV still face restrictions on entry, stay and residence in many countries.

The story of the Honourable Al Shaymaa J. Kwegyir
The story of albinos in Africa is one of suffering, appalling discrimination and murder – one woman campaigns for change.

Voice of Victims – Transitional Justice in Nepal
Laxmi Khadka, whose husband disappeared during the conflict in Nepal, has embarked on a brave journey to get the voices of conflict victims heard.