The world is dangerous for human rights defenders. Many times, human rights defenders find themselves at the lead, standing in for the priorities of justice, equality, and freedom in the face of political suppression, violence, and systemic injustice. There are top ten different country activists who have faced severe danger in the declaration and protection of human rights.
1. Philip Randolph
Philip Randolph was an American labor unionist and civil rights activist.His family also believed in a progressive and peacemaking ethics. By getting inspired by his family ethics, he participated in many movement’s for human rights. He passed away on May 16, 1979 aging 90, leaving a legacy of justice and progress for us.
Key Achievements :
- He created the first Black trade union called The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.
To promote labor rights he established Negro American Labor Council. - In 1937 he secured union recognition for the trade union.
- Philip directed executive order 8802 for banning discrimination.
2. Martin Luther King Jr.
He is known for his legacy of justice and peace. Martin got his recognition for leading the American Civil Rights Movement. Sadly he was murdered on April 4, 1968.
Key Achievements :
- King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the fight against racial discrimination & was the 1st president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Through the conference he promoted non-violent activism.
- In 1964 He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to nonviolent protest and human rights.
3. Nelson Mandela
He was a fighter against apartheid. His dedication to achieving resolution and racial equality made him a global sign of freedom, equality and strength. He left us on December 5, 2013 but his legacy of peace and justice are still followed by us.
Key Achievements :
- The African National Congress was co-initiated by Mandela in 1944.
- The apartheid law was challenged by Nelson in 1952 & he directed the Defiance Campaign.
- He spent 27 years in prison for his social activism.
- In 1994 he became the first Black president of South Africa.
- Mandela was awarded the Nobel Prize for ending apartheid in a peaceful way.
4. Dalai Lama
He is the global face of Tibetan struggle for autonomy and mostly known for his spiritual leadership. His five-point peace plan made him an iconic figure for global unity and human rights.
Key Achievements :
- Dalai lama Honored with numerous Peace Awards and honorary doctorates for his dedication to nonviolence and compassion.
5. Muhammad Yunus
Muhammed Yunus is Bangladeshi pioneer of Microfinance who believes that credit is a human right . He is celebrated globally for his financial innovation for the people who live below the poverty line.
Key Achievements :
- He founded the revolutionary Grameen Bank that’s main goal is to give microcredits for poverty alleviation.
- In 1994 he was awarded with the World Food Prize for giving his efforts in reducing poverty.
- Yunusf was praised with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for inspiring financial stability for people living below the poverty line.
6. Liu Xiaobo
Liu Xiaobo played an important role in forming non-violent protests for human rights and democratic reforms in China. Liu became the sign of strength in the face of oppression for us, he took his last breath in custody but his impact for democracy and human rights inspires us.
Key Achievements :
- Liu Xiaobo was praised for the Nobel Prize In 2010 for his non-violent fight for fundamental human rights
7. Dolores Huerta
She is widely recognized for her meaningful work as a labor leader and civil rights activist. Dolores stands as the symbol of the fight for labor rights and justice.
Key Achievements :
- She Co-founded the United Farm Workers for the farmers’ rights and better conditions.
- Dolores played a very important role in forming the grape boycott.
- For her significant contributions to civil rights and labor activism, she was appointed into the California Hall of Fame.
8. Malala Yousafzai
Malala, a 97 borner, became an international icon for women’s education rights after surviving a Taliban attack in 2012 for supporting girls’ education.
Key Achievements :
- In 2014 she became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her contribution in women’s education.
9. Rick Hansen:
Richard Marvin Hansen, a Canadian athlete and activist, went on an amazing 40,000-kilometer wheelchair marathon. His mission? To bring attention to the challenges people with disabilities face and to inspire a more inclusive world.
Key Achievements :
- This activity makes him a key figure in promoting flexibility and unity for those with disabilities.
10. Rigoberta Menchú:
Many people know her as a strong active person for indigenous rights and a supporter of peace.
Key Achievements :
- The Nobel prize in 1992 was given to Rigoberta Menchú for being active for indigenous rights and promoting peace.
These are the people who stand for humanity; they will always be remembered.
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Writer
Anika Sharmila
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE