Highlights

Take a closer look at some of the events and stories taking place across the world to stand up for human rights.

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#IStandWithHer

5 March 2019

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the UN Human Rights Office invites you to honour, recognize and support the efforts of inspiring and courageous Women Human Rights Defenders who have been at the forefront of social change by fighting for gender equality.

Let us think about what our lives would be like without the victories of the courageous Defenders of the past. We have all benefited from gender equality and the critical role they play now and have played throughout history. And let us understand the struggles of today, what they mean to us and for future generations.

Show your support with the Defenders and tag your social media messages with #IStandWithHer

Join in the celebrations! There are many way you can support Women Human Rights Defenders. You can share information about their work on your social media, talk about their struggle and achievements to your family and friends and trigger support for their work through your initiatives.

Get inspired

Watch the videos of women human rights defenders and take action. Amplify their voices through your networks, share their stories and act on their calls to action.

Catherine Harry is challenging harmful gender stereotypes in her native Cambodia.


Morena Herrera is fighting for women jailed for obstetric emergencies in El Salvador. Watch her interview with Amber Heard, actress.


Veronika Lapina is working on the protection of LGBTI people in Chechnya.


#TheTotalShutdown is taking action against gender-based violence in South Africa.


Uma Mishra-Newbery from Women's March Global, a global grassroots movement defending women’s rights and gender equality..



International Women’s Day 2019

Statement from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet

View the video in: Spanish | French


  • I will respect your rights regardless of who you are. I will uphold your rights even when I disagree with you
  • When anyone’s human rights are denied, everyone's rights are undermined, so I will stand up
  • I will raise my voice. I will take action. I will use my rights to stand up for your rights.

people have stood up for human rights

We can all be Human Rights Champions

Tweet, Instagram or YouTube your action using the hashtag #Standup4humanrights.

Spread the word

#Standup4humanrights