2020 human rights victories

2020 has been a year like no other. The Coronavirus pandemic changed lives for millions across the world. However even in times of difficulty, we continued to stand up for human rights. This wouldn’t have been possible without you.

This year not only did our usual work continue but we also called on governments around the world to protect those most vulnerable during the pandemic. 

Protecting those most vulnerable during the pandemic

Thousands of our supporters petitioned the UK Government to ensure emergency laws protected the most vulnerable, such as people living in poverty, with disabilities or with violent partners. In addition to this, we launched a 50-page report highlighting the UK Government’s failure to protect care home residents during the pandemic and calling on them to take appropriate measures such as regular testing. 

Solidarity with peaceful protesters 

Following the death of George Floyd, protests broke out across the US with people showing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Thanks to our supporters, our Crisis Evidence Lab was able to research tear gas misuse, not only in America but around the world, primarily through videos posted to social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Using open source investigation methods, we verified close to 500 videos and highlighted almost 80 events in 22 countries and territories where tear gas had been misused by police forces.

Campaigning to release wrongly imprisoned people 

Every year we call on authorities around the world to release those unfairly imprisoned such as journalists, human rights defenders and others imprisoned for exercising their rights. This year your actions helped to secure the release of Vietnamese environmental activist Tran Thi Nga, Iranian anti-death penalty campaigner Narges Mohammadi, Chinese human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang and many many more. 

Celebrating Pride Inside

We didn’t let the lockdown stop us from celebrating Pride as we hosted an online series of gigs, comedy shows, panel discussions, and arts-based events. We partnered with UK Black Pride, Gendered Intelligence, Stonewall and ParaPride to raise awareness for LGBTI+ individuals and communities at risk and provide opportunities for people to take action and make change.  

We couldn’t have done all this and more without help from you. Thank you for helping us continue standing up for human rights during a difficult year. When we come together, Humanity can and always will win.
 

Keep updated on our latest campaigns and ways you can continue to help to defend human rights.