On 10 December, we celebrate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 72 years ago. Since then, social movements around the world have continued to defend our basic rights. That's why we're organising a major online action in support of these movements on this date, alongside a wide range of trade unions and non-governmental organisations.
Social movements defend our basic rights. Decent working conditions have been won, strikes have enabled indigenous groups to stop mining projects, and youth demonstrations have put climate justice at the top of the political agenda. In this period of corona, the organisations are continuing to defend our rights actively and creatively.
In Colombia, the Philippines, Honduras, Guatemala... but also in Belgium, human rights defenders and social movements are under pressure everywhere: harassment campaigns against organisations, dismissals for their involvement, arrests under the pretext of confinement measures, and even murder for defending human rights.
What will happen on 10 December?
Every year on 10 December, we take to the streets under the slogan «Defend the Defenders» to show our support for human rights activists and social movements around the world.
This year, Defend the Defenders is going online! To encourage human rights defenders around the world and to urge our ministers to take action to protect human rights activists and social movements, we're getting creative and making our voices heard on social media.
Take part in the photo challenge!
In the run-up to 10 December, we're launching a social media challenge inviting you to post an image of your choice on our website. photo of you with your hand over your mouth. When you post your photo, you also mention a case and tag two friends, challenging them to do the same. You can find an example here. On 10 December, we'll be circulating on social media a video with all the photos received.
How to proceed:
- Write “Defend the Defenders” or another message on your hand
- Post a photo of yourself with your left hand in front of your mouth with the hashtag #DefendTheDefenders
- Mention one or more cases
- Tag 2 friends and challenge them to do the same thing
- Send your photo (in its original quality) to defendthedefenders2020@gmail.com
- Your photo will be included in a montage and distributed on 10/12 via Stop the Killings Belgium and other platforms
Open letter
- On 10 December, we will also be sending an open letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- If you would like to sign our letter as an organisation, please send an e-mail by 5 December at the latest to veronique.coteur@intal.be
- Read all about Defend the Defenders 2020 at https://defendthedefenders2020.wordpress.com
