Welcome to the United Nations. It's your world.

Speak Up, Stop Discrimination, Human Rights Day 2010

What is a human rights defender?


Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Human Rights Defender:
Keikabile Mogodu

Keikabile Mogodu (Botswana) is from the indigenous community, the San. He defends the rights of his community who are marginalized both culturally and economically.


They are of all ages and have diverse backgrounds and occupations.

Many are highly qualified people who have special skills as lawyers, journalists, doctors, architects, or teachers: many others have little or no education but they all have in common the fundamental conviction that human rights must be protected and promoted.

Everyone can advance and speak up for human rights no matter who they are or where they are from. Each one of us has the potential to make a difference.

Stories of Human Rights Defenders