Human rights belong to every individual, everywhere. Across regions, human rights defenders—women and men alike—stand on the frontlines of resistance against repression, often at enormous personal risk. Among them, women continue to face uniquely severe and escalating threats, and today we honor both their leadership and the broader global fight for fundamental freedoms.
Women human rights defenders are at the forefront of the global struggle for dignity, justice, and equality. They defend the universal rights to education, health, justice, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the basic right of women and girls to choose how they dress. Their leadership exposes abuses, challenges discrimination, and advances more inclusive, democratic, and peaceful societies. Yet as they push for these fundamental freedoms, the threats against them continue to escalate.
Globally, fifty-seven percent of organisations report rising risks for women human rights defenders. In 2024, dozens of WHRDs, journalists, and trade unionists were killed in conflict settings, with real numbers likely far higher. Civic space is shrinking, authoritarianism is rising, and those defending rights are increasingly criminalised. Gender-based attacks—physical, political, legal, and digital—remain widespread. One in four countries now reports official backlash against women’s rights. Digital spaces have become a new frontline of violence: across regions, more than half of women report experiencing online harassment, threats, and abuse intended to silence their participation and push them out of public life. Each statistic represents a stolen voice and a diminished society.
At the same time, the world is witnessing the devastating impact of political repression. Under repressive regimes, activists, journalists, students, women leaders, and defenders of justice are subjected to arbitrary arrest, enforced disappearance, torture, inhumane treatment, and, in some cases, sexual violence and rape. These are grave violations of international law designed to eliminate dissent and break societies seeking freedom.
The World Liberty Congress also recognises the urgent need to name and confront gender apartheid: a system of governance in which women and girls are segregated, excluded, and stripped of their most basic rights solely because of their gender. Gender apartheid is not a cultural practice; it is a crime against humanity that demands global recognition, codification, and accountability.
The World Liberty Congress stands unequivocally in solidarity with all women human rights defenders and all political prisoners. We call for their immediate and unconditional release, for accountability for perpetrators, and for comprehensive support for survivors and their families. Our message to Member States and the international community is clear:
1. Protect the civic space and the fundamental freedoms of all women and all human rights defenders.
2. Recognise digital violence as real violence and ensure accountability from technology companies and justice systems.
3. Defend the universal rights to education, health, justice, expression, movement, and personal autonomy—including dress and identity.
4. End arbitrary detention and prosecute those responsible for torture, sexual violence, and all forms of inhumane treatment.
5. Officially recognise and act against gender apartheid in all its forms.
6. Increase flexible, direct funding to women’s rights organisations and frontline defenders.
On this International Day of Human Rights, the World Liberty Congress reaffirms that human rights are universal, indivisible, and non-negotiable. Without justice for political prisoners, democracy cannot stand. Without the end of gender apartheid, equality cannot exist. Until every woman, every defender, and every silenced voice is free, none of us is truly free.
