ways in a ing” hese s as hese t for and n of m of of a rs or olve ting able cacy d by vide sion lter, ratic ionalso , the and s of ghts and ns of In accordance with this broad categorization, HRDs can be any person or group of persons working to promote human rights, ranging from intergovernmental organizations based in the world’s largest cities to individuals working within their local communities. Defenders can be of any gender, of varying ages, from any part of the world and from diverse professional or other backgrounds. In particular, it is important to note that HRDs are not only found within NGOs and intergovernmental organizations but might also, in some instances, be government officials, civil servants or members of the private sector. 1. Defending human rights through professional activities – paid or voluntary The most obvious HRDs are those whose daily work specifically involves the promotion and protection of human rights, for example human rights monitors working with national human rights organizations, human rights ombudsmen or human rights lawyers. However, what is most important in characterizing a person as a human rights defender is not the person’s title or the name of the organization he or she works for, but rather the human rights character of the work undertaken. It is not essential for a person to be known as a “human rights activist” or to work for an organization that includes “human rights” in its name in order to be a human rights defender. Many of the staff of the United Nations serve as HRDs even if their day-to-day work is described in different terms, for example as “development”. Similarly, the national and international staff of NGOs around the world working to address humanitarian concerns can typically be described as HRDs. People educating communities on HIV/AIDS, activists for the rights of indigenous peoples, environmental activists and volunteers working in development are also playing a crucial role as HRDs. Many people work in a professional capacity as HRDs and are paid a salary for their work. However, there are many others who work in a professional capacity as HRDs but who are volunteers and receive no remuneration. Typically, human rights organizations have very limited funding and the work provided by these volunteers is invaluable. Many professional activities do not involve human rights work regularly but can have occasional links with human rights. For example, lawyers working 5