A solitary activist finding colleagues who become friends.

A brand new generation learning to counter hatred.

A unique opportunity to lobby the United Nations directly.

These are just some of the amazing things we’ve seen as a result of a project we set up in South Asia. Here’s how it happened – and how you can get involved in making a life-changing difference.

We know many courageous individuals defending human rights across South Asia and Central Asia – a region that includes countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Kyrgzystan. But their work often puts them in danger – when they criticise human rights abuses by governments and others, they become targets for harassment, imprisonment or worse. Who will defend the defenders? 

“We are in touch with each other to move the cause forward…We keep exchanging ideas and analyses” – Amjad, Pakistan

So we set up a project to bring together human rights defenders (HRDs) from diverse religious backgrounds from all across the region, to jointly draft policy recommendations to improve their situation, and to train them in how they can keep themselves safe while they work for the safety and freedom of others.

Michel Forst, the UN Special Rapporteur for HRDs, also attended this event. He spoke to the participants to get first hand reports of their experiences speaking up for human rights in South Asia, and trained them on accessing justice through the UN.

“Coming together made me feel we are not alone.” – Ajay, India

Here are some of the results we’ve seen:

• Solidarity: After the conference, when a Sri Lankan activist was threatened for his work, the group rallied together to support him and give him advice on how to file a complaint.
  
• Collaboration: Participants have stayed in touch, sharing experiences and ideas. 
  
• Early interventions: Participants from Nepal and Kyrgyzstan told us that they learned from the experiences of their colleagues from other countries, and were motivated to intervene before the situation in their own countries deteriorates further.
  

We’re positive that these results are part of God’s good plan for South and Central Asia, and it’s a privilege to be part of it. You’ve prayed faithfully with us for this region, and your prayers are being answered! Thank you so much.

Empowering people, not just rescuing victims

All around the world we’re expanding our training programmes – on p.7 you’ll read about the impact this has had on Nigerian churches devastated by violence. 

We’re empowering people – not just rescuing victims. We’re giving HRDs what they need to be as effective as possible in their work, which in turn makes us even more effective in our advocacy. And in the coming months we’ll be launching a campaign so you can get involved in our work for human rights defenders – more details soon!

But we can’t do any of this without funding. Your generous donation will enable us to continue defending the courageous men and women who tackle injustice and campaign for religious freedom. 

• Donate today to fund life-changing training across the world. There’s a gift form and freepost envelope enclosed with this issue, or you can give online: www.csw.org.uk/donate