Blue-toned graphic titled “Defending Dignity & Claiming Rights.” In the background, Ali Awad, a Palestinian HRD wearing a cap, stands outdoors in a rural landscape in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in front of an Israeli soldier in uniform, while another soldier and several men, including one filming with a camera, stand nearby. Overlaid text reads: “The motivation is coming from inside the house… Every basic thing is violated, even water, roads, houses, education, safety. As a human, you exist with a circle around you – environment, family, community – and here that circle is under threat of death and erasure… Activism here is not a choice, it is a necessity. I left my childhood dreams and became a full-time activist, doing night shifts, documenting, doing legal work for my own village.” The quote is attributed to Ali Awad, Occupied Palestinian Territories. At the side: “Image courtesy of Ali Awad. Credit: Emily Glick.” At the bottom: “Full report available on srdefenders.org”
This week, I presented my final report to the Human Rights Council, bringing forward the voices of HRDs at a time of growing attacks on human rights & the system meant to protect them. In the report, Ali Awad from the #OPT describes how defending human rights became the only option for him. #HRC61