The UN Human Rights Council recently held a discussion on the particular challenges faced by women human rights defenders – which included representatives from civil society and NGOS. The concept paper describes these threats:

"Women human rights defenders face threats, stigma, arbitrary arrest and detention, violence, including sexual violence and rape, and even death as a result of their critical work in promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. The nature of the violations committed against them, including violence, is often a manifestation of discrimination and gender inequality."

The Association for Womens Rights in Development (AWID) took part and reported on thepanel. AWID published a report last year which explores resources and strategies available to respond to urgent situations of violence against women human rights defenders – covering a broad range of responses from legal support to safe houses.