Our 2025 Stories of Courage brings together the stories of three courageous human rights defenders whose lives and work were strengthened by your support last year. In a time of rising repression and increasing risks for those who speak out, these women and men chose to stand up for their fundamental freedoms in environments where doing so comes at high personal cost.
Threats, harassment, violence and oppression are a daily reality for many human rights defenders. But thanks to your generosity, they were able to access timely support when they needed it most.
As you read these stories, we invite you to reflect on the impact of standing together, the power of collective action, and how international solidarity can translate into real and meaningful protection on the ground.
Sara* – Journalist, Myanmar
For nearly two decades, Sara* worked as a journalist in Myanmar, stopping at nothing to expose military violence and the erosion of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. It was her coverage of the military’s violent crackdown on ten protestors (who were demonstrating peacefully against the coup d’etat) that made her a target. In 2021, she was arrested, interrogated, and tortured for telling the truth.
After 18 months of repeated interrogations and beatings, Sara was released — but her freedom was short-lived. Upon learning that a new case had been opened against her, she fled through dangerous jungle terrain into Thailand, knowing that returning to prison could cost her life.
Once she’d reached the border and crossed into safety, Sara immediately continued her journalism, documenting the difficulties that communities in Myanmar face. Through UN Myanmar, she made contact with us here at HRPF and we were able to quickly release funds for her and colleagues, for living expenses and visa costs to keep them safe.
While in hiding, Sara also discovered she was pregnant. Constant fear and isolation marked her pregnancy, and when serious complications arose, she urgently needed medical care. Thanks to HRPF supporters, we were able to grant funding to cover her medical expenses for emergency transport and a life-saving C-section.
Thankfully, Sara safely gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Now resettled in a country that protects human rights, she continues her work, and her life, with renewed hope.
Walid* – LGBTQ+ Rights Defender, Uganda
Walid* is a proud gay man living in a refugee camp in Uganda, where LGBTQ+ people face daily harassment and violence. Simple tasks often come with insults, stones, and threats.
In 2022, after celebrating a same-sex wedding within his community, word reached violent extremist groups and Walid was tracked down, kidnapped and brutally tortured. The police offered no protection, and further attacks felt inevitable, so he knew he needed to build some security for himself and his friends.
Desperate for safety, Walid contacted HRPF for help to build a fence around his home. We were able to provide a small grant to make this possible, creating a vital place where he could sleep through the night instead of lying awake fearing the next stone or machete.
Amara* – Survivor of Forced Marriage, Pakistan
Amara*, a Christian from Pakistan, was just 16 when her living nightmare started. She was kidnapped, married to a Muslim man against her will, and forcibly converted to Islam. Once under the total control of her new ‘husband’, Amara was kept hidden, deprived of any freedom, and isolated. Throughout, she was unable to make contact with her family.
In Amara’s case as in many others, the local police were unhelpful and uncooperative when her family reported the crime. Meanwhile, her ‘husband’ falsified documents to state the marriage was legitimate. The family battled on for more than a month, unable to see Amara or even speak to her.
In desperation, Amara’s mother contacted our referral agency Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) who then asked us for emergency financial assistance towards legal aid. With the support of HRPF’s generous donors, we awarded a grant to cover the cost of this legal aid. This enabled the family to submit a petition to the Lahore High Court where an instruction was given to recover her immediately.
Amara was finally freed in October 2024 and reunited with her family. Her return was celebrated by family and minority community alike, but the family still faced enormous threats to their safety.
Angered by the petition against them, religious and political leaders in the area demand Amara’s return, stating that she has converted and now belongs to them. To protect her, her family face lengthy legal proceedings and have been forced to seek refuge in a safe house.
The courage of people like Sara*, Walid*, and Amara* is the reason we exist, and it’s their stories that inspire our action.
Thank you for standing with us in 2025 and making sure that no one facing persecution for defending human rights stands alone.
To support our vital work and enable us to continue to support more brave human rights defenders in need in 2026 and beyond, please consider donating here.
