DEFEND INTERNATIONAL (Dl) is an independent, voluntary, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting all human rights and fundamental freedoms.  It fosters a global community of DI Defenders, supporters, partners, friends and subscribers.  Our commitment is to act impartially, with integrity, honesty and objectivity in all matters concerning human rights including the right to health.

Our mission is to respond to severe  violations of international human rights and humanitarian law; monitor the implementation of preventive measures aimed at ending impunity for perpetrators; conduct medical research that directly or indirectly improves community health standards; and promote peace and democracy through cultural relations and diplomacy.

What does Defend International do? 

Defend International aims to combat human rights violations by:

• Spreading awareness among policymakers, the public and the media;
• Conducting research, mobilising public opinion and disseminating knowledge on the mission’s focus areas;
• Lobbying governments and intergovernmental organisations to implement conventions, protocols and other measures guaranteeing the rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, such as liberty, security, resistance to oppression and the right to health;
• Promoting the work of NGOs to prevent human rights abuses through national and local legislation, regional agreements, research and training opportunities;
• Campaigning for change, including pro-human rights campaigns and calls for legal and practice reforms;
• Spreading a culture of respect for human rights, dialogue, non-violence and democracy.  (Democracies are important because they have a better record of upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights);
• Inculcating a culture of peace, equality and solidarity within individuals;
• Protecting civilians against all forms of violence and other human rights violations during armed conflict;
• Building civil society capacity by enabling organisations to actively participate in post-conflict negotiations and peace-building processes, both nationally and globally;
• Promoting disarmament to support peace and reconciliation efforts in conflict zones:
• Fostering mutual understanding and improved interaction between cultures and nations;
• Reviewing healthcare policies and human rights legislation;
• Encouraging collaborative advocacy efforts, thereby providing a platform for NGOs/partners to share experiences and develop skills;
• Promoting the voices of victims at both regional and international levels;
• Developing measures to combat modern-day slavery and violence against women and children, including domestic violence;
• Working to ensure the implementation of key agreements like the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Arms Trade Treaty, the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, and various UN resolutions on Women, Peace and Security (e.g., 1325 and 1820); and
• Establishing local, regional and sub-regional networks.