🛡️ What Does an International Human Rights Defender (CNUHRD) Do?

Luca TsT Alessi Disaster Manager CNU – Emma Co-cordinatrice SoS-Toscana

🌍 Who They Are

Human Rights Defenders of the Confederation (CNUHRD) are individuals who actively promote and protect the rights and freedoms of all people—locally and globally—using only peaceful means. They act in line with international treaties and the universal principles of human dignity, without discrimination of any kind.

Anyone, anywhere in the world, can become part of this mission by supporting the CNU’s efforts and standing up for human rights in their communities.

Ogni HRD della Confederazione è munito di apposito documenti di riconoscimento, autentificato nella sezione Procura e gode di un’assistenza Legale Internazionale

⚙️ How They Operate

CNUHRDs are legally recognized and carry official ID documents authenticated by the CNU’s international legal office. They benefit from international legal assistance and are supported by a global framework for human rights protection.

Vanna Bonetti della CRI, Harry Tallarita Segretario Generale CNU, Luca Alessi Disaster Manager CNU

They work to:

  • Assist in humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and war zones

  • Respond to serious human rights violations such as:

    • summary executions

    • torture

    • arbitrary detention

    • female genital mutilation

    • forced evictions

    • toxic waste exposure

    • lack of access to healthcare, housing, or education

  • Support vulnerable groups: women, children, Indigenous peoples, refugees, displaced persons, and minorities (national, linguistic, or sexual)

  • Monitor and report human rights violations

  • Advocate for justice and end impunity

  • Facilitate reconciliation and promote better governance

  • Educate communities about human rights and international law

  • Defend the principle of self-determination for all peoples

đź“Ś Where They Work

CNU Human Rights Defenders are active:

  • In conflict and post-conflict zones

  • In both democratic and authoritarian countries

  • In developed and developing nations

  • On local, national, regional, and international levels

Their strength lies in presence, listening, and peaceful engagement.

⚖️ What Law Says

According to international law, States have the duty to protect human rights defenders from abuse—whether from state or non-state actors. Non-state actors must also respect the rights of defenders, and where they don’t, national governments should hold them accountable according to law.

A CNUHRD does not judge ideologies or identities. They defend human rights for all—with courage, compassion, and commitment to peace.

Come on!