I welcome the announcement by the Canadian Government last week to establish a dedicated refugee stream for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) at risk who are refugees. As one of the first of its kind in the world, it will give an opportunity to Human Rights Defenders who continue to face persecution after they are forced to flee their home country. Human Rights Defenders carry out their work often at great personal risk, and most will continue fighting their causes at home. I am pleased for the recognition this scheme gives to the legitimate work of HRDs and the support it provides to some of the most vulnerable among them.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
