All over the world, brave human rights defenders are standing up for justice. All to often, they suffer devastating consequences for their actions, losing their careers, their homes, and even their health. Our referral agencies and international NGOs tell us that there are thousands of human rights defenders being persecuted at any given time. They may be intimidated, threatened or tortured. Many are imprisoned or have to flee their countries, often having to leave loved ones behind.

We seek to transform lives through a package of assistance - emergency grants, rehabilitation, resettlement and requalification at the time of greatest need. Since 1962, we’ve distributed more than £4m to over 10,000 prisoners of conscience and their dependents. We work with a network of over 50 human rights organisations, refugee groups, community organisations, universities and solicitors. Over and over, prisoners of conscience tell us that just a bit of a hand up makes such a huge difference.