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Spotlighting Human Rights Defenders [1]

['Lauren Raskin']

Date: 2025-01

When we gathered December 10 in Washington to celebrate the 2024 Secretary of State’s Human Rights Defender Awards, I was humbled to sit before some of the world’s most incredible, but often unsung, heroes.

However, two of the winners weren’t there. Tragically, one had been killed in 2023 working for justice, and the other was detained shortly before he could leave his country to receive his award.

Through my work for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, I have seen firsthand that most people in the world do not live in free countries where the rights of individuals are upheld.

Despite countries having obligated themselves, as members of the United Nations, to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, that respect is often hard won. Individuals who advocate for these rights face innumerable challenges and even danger.

The Secretary of State’s Human Rights Defender Awards spotlight some of these unsung heroes. I want to tell you about them, including the two winners who couldn’t attend this year’s awards.

Maseko: Enduring Impact

Thulani Rudolph Maseko from Eswatini was recognized with a Human Rights Defender award posthumously, after having dedicated his life to advancing human rights in Eswatini. He challenged injustices as a student going on to defend persecuted activists and winning a case for free primary education. He defended trade unions from attacks and advocated to protect labor rights

Despite threats, imprisonment, and solitary confinement, he led a movement for reform during 2021 protests. Refusing to flee despite escalating threats, he was tragically killed at home on January 21, 2023, in front of his wife and young children. Justice remains unserved.

Tanele Maseko, Thulani’s partner of 16 years, received the award on his behalf. Tanele has carried her husband’s dreams forward, championing human rights across southern Africa despite also being threatened for her advocacy.

Safarov: Absent, Not Forgotten

At the ceremony, there was an empty chair on the stage for Rufat Safarov, a human rights defender and whistleblower from Azerbaijan, who exposed corruption and subsequently spent three years in prison. After his release, he founded Defense Line, an organization supporting human rights defenders by monitoring trials, aiding prisoners and their families, and raising international awareness.

Just hours after visiting the U.S. Embassy in Baku in preparation to travel to Washington for this ceremony, he was detained by security officers and has since been placed in pre-trial detention. In a social media post shared on Rufat’s behalf shortly after his detention, he wrote, “I’m not unhappy with my life. I have chosen dissident life. It’s a privilege to defend people and humanity.”

The other extraordinary awardees were:

Mary Ann Abunda from Kuwait, for her work in advancing the rights of and combating the exploitation of migrant workers.

for her work in advancing the rights of and combating the exploitation of migrant workers. Amparo Carvajal from Bolivia, for her ceaseless promotion of pho human rights over more than half a century.

Aida Dzhumanazarova from the Kyrgyz Republic, for her support of civil society organizations and advocacy for legislative reforms.

Mang Hre Lian from Burma, for his promotion of human rights, religious freedom, media freedom, and youth political participation in Burma.

Ebenezer Peegah from Ghana, for his advocacy and innovative efforts to protect LGBTQI+ persons from violence.

Juana Alicia Ruiz from Colombia, for her grassroots reconciliation efforts following Colombia’s internal conflict.

Human rights defenders are people who non-violently advocate for human rights and fundamental freedoms with leadership, tenacity, courage, and conviction possessed by few. Human rights are those inherent to every human being, no matter who they are, where they’re from, or what they believe. These include the rights to work and education, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom from slavery and torture, and the right to life and liberty.

What could we accomplish with even a fraction of their bravery and dedication? Secretary Blinken

Human rights defenders persist in fighting for the rights of all, often at great risk and personal sacrifice.

However, despite the obstacles they may face — from threats and harassment to intimidation, detention and violence — human rights defenders feel they must stand up for what is right. They need and deserve our utmost support.

The 2024 Secretary of State’s Human Rights Defender Award ceremony was a powerful opportunity to honor the dedication and bravery of individuals who strive to strengthen democracies, uphold the rule of law, and protect fundamental freedoms in their own countries.

They are not alone in their courageous efforts.

Lauren Raskin is a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Multilateral and Global Affairs Office in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

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[1] Url: https://www.state.gov/bureau-of-global-public-affairs/releases/2025/01/spotlighting-human-rights-defenders

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