The Norwegian Human Rights Fund

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A call-out for action: COVID-19 pandemic leaves HRDs in Colombia at higher risk

In Colombia, the coronavirus pandemic coincided with several attacks and murders of social leaders and human rights defenders. The civil society is worried about the situation, and has called for a ceasefire. Monday morning it was announced that the National Liberation Army (ELN) has declared a ceasefire between 1st and 30th April.

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Sisters, Resisters and Persisters - #EachforEqual

In India, gender-based violence takes on unique forms as patriarchy intersects with caste, class, religion and sexuality. In time for One Billion Rising and the International Working Women’s Day, here is a snapshot of some women-led campaigns for justice in India.

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Visit by Mexican human rights defender, Norma Ledezma

In late February, Mexican human rights defender Norma Ledezma visited the Norwegian Human Rights Fund in Oslo. Norma was one of the three female finalists for this year's Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, and visited Norway to raise awareness about femicides, forced disappearances and human trafficking in northern Mexico.

A message regarding the coronavirus outbreak from the NHRF team

As the global concern about the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak grows, the NHRF is continually monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Like most of you, we are concerned about the impact this may have on our societies and the health and safety of members of our communities. To this end, we want to send a message to all our friends, colleagues and partners in the human rights struggle to express that we are thinking of them, and we would like to invite our grantee organizations for an open dialogue regarding the outbreak of the virus and how this may affect their work. Read more.

Expanding our work in Colombia

The NHRF is increasing its support to civil society organizations in Colombia through a new strategic partnership with the Norwegian Embassy in Bogota. We are excited about the opportunities that will come through this partnership, among them being able to grow and strengthen our community of human rights actors and defenders on the ground. The partnership is new, but the NHRF will continue to support work against impunity and for access to justice for the victims and survivors of the armed conflict, protecting civic space and strengthening security of defenders, and focusing on issues involving land, natural resources and the environment.

In the photo, we see Executive Director of the NHRF, Sandra Petersen, with the Norwegian Ambassador to Colombia, John Petter Opdahl (left), and Advising Minister, Hege Fisknes (right), after signing the new agreement.

Video: The International Women's Day 2020

The work of women human rights defenders across the world is crucial in the fight against human rights violations. The Norwegian Human Rights Fund supports all women who fights for their rights. Happy International Women's Day 2020!