2. Human rights everywhere HRDs are active in every part of the world: in states that are divided by internal armed conflict as well as states that are stable; in states that are non-democratic as well as those that have a strong democratic practice; in states that are developing economically as well as those that are classified as developed. They seek to promote and protect human rights in the context of a variety of challenges, including HIV/AIDS, development, migration, structural adjustment policies and political transition. 3. Local, national, regional and international action The majority of HRDs work at the local or national level, promoting the respect for human rights within their own communities and countries. In such situations, their main counterparts are local authorities charged with ensuring respect for human rights within a province or the country as a whole. However, some defenders act at the regional or international level. They may, for example, monitor a regional or worldwide human rights situation and submit information to regional or international human rights mechanisms, including the other Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council and treaty bodies. Increasingly, the work of HRDs is mixed, with the focus being on local and national human rights issues, but with defenders making contact with regional and international mechanisms which can support them in improving human rights in their countries. 4. Collecting and disseminating information on violations HRDs investigate, gather information and report human rights violations. They may, for example, use lobbying strategies to bring their reports to the attention of the public and of key political and judicial officials with a view to ensuring that their investigative work is given consideration so that human rights violations are addressed. Most commonly, such work is conducted through human rights organizations, which periodically publish reports on their findings. However, information may also be gathered and reported by an individual focusing on one specific aspect of human rights abuse. 5. Supporting victims of human rights violations A very large proportion of the activities of HRDs can be characterized as acting in support of victims of human rights violations. Investigating and reporting on violations can help end ongoing violations, prevent their repetition 2 and prof prov 6. lega auth inter inter bear cour way case prev thro imp stren prov 7. hum reco mad dem to a imp 8. orga Man heal marg equi info