On December 10, 2024, the world marked Human Rights Day, a day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948. Despite the milestone of over 75 years, human rights violations persist across the globe, making the fight for freedom, equality, and justice more urgent than ever. This year, Human Rights Day serves as a tribute to the brave defenders who continue to fight for these rights, often at great personal cost.
Marfa Rabkova: A Voice Silenced by Belarusian Authorities
Marfa Rabkova, a human rights defender in Belarus, has spent over three years behind bars since her arrest in 2020. As head of the volunteer service at the Human Rights Centre Viasna, Rabkova played a critical role in documenting human rights abuses during the controversial 2020 Belarusian presidential election. She helped monitor election integrity, registering over 1,500 election observers, and later collected evidence of the government’s brutal repression of peaceful protests. In 2022, Rabkova was sentenced to nearly 15 years in prison on charges of inciting social hostility and leading a criminal organization. Index on Censorship is calling for her immediate release, highlighting her case as emblematic of Belarus’s authoritarian crackdown on dissent.
Mohammed Zubair: Standing Against Disinformation in India
In India, Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of the prominent fact-checking platform Alt News, has faced relentless persecution for his efforts to combat disinformation. Zubair’s work exposed misleading and often inflammatory content spread by influential figures in the ruling political party. As a result, he has been subjected to harassment, including sedition charges for a social media post, and multiple arrests. His persistent advocacy for truth in the face of mounting pressure has earned him the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Journalism in 2023. The global community, including organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has united to call for the dismissal of all charges against him.
Diala Ayesh: A Palestinian Advocate for Political Prisoners
Diala Ayesh, a Palestinian human rights lawyer, has long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of political prisoners, often facing harassment and threats from both Israeli and Palestinian authorities. Ayesh’s activism earned her international recognition, but it also led to her arrest in January 2024. Israeli forces detained her as she passed through a military checkpoint in the West Bank and subjected her to inhumane treatment. She was placed under administrative detention, a form of imprisonment without trial, and faced physical and psychological abuse. Despite these challenges, Ayesh’s unwavering commitment to justice was recognized when she received the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Campaigning in 2023.
Matiullah Wesa: Campaigning for Education in Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan
Matiullah Wesa’s work in Afghanistan has been nothing short of revolutionary. As the co-founder of Pen Path, an organization committed to re-opening schools that the Taliban had shut down, Wesa fought for the right to education for both boys and girls. His efforts led to the re-opening of over 100 schools and the establishment of new educational institutions across the country. In 2023, Wesa was arrested by the Taliban, accused of illegal activities, and held incommunicado for months. He was finally released in October 2023 but continues his work in secret, defying the oppressive regime to advocate for education. His persistence earned him the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award for Campaigning in 2023.
A Global Call for Justice and Freedom
These courageous individuals stand as symbols of resilience and hope in an increasingly polarized world. Despite facing immense challenges, they continue to fight for the fundamental rights of individuals, embodying the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As we reflect on Human Rights Day 2024, their stories remind us that the battle for justice is ongoing, and their bravery is a call to action for all who believe in equality and freedom. The global community must continue to support these defenders and ensure that their efforts are not in vain.
Related Stories:
World Human Rights Day 10 December 2024: A Call for Equality, Justice, and Freedom
Iran Averaged Over Four Executions Per Day: Human Rights Group
Iran Averaged Over Four Executions Per Day: Human Rights Group
