Prisoners of Conscience Appeal Fund
From persecution to hope
All around the world, people are persecuted for standing up for human rights and beliefs. All to often, they suffer devastating consequences for their actions. We provide immediate relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and requalification support at their time of greatest need.
It ran from 9:00 AM, 1 July 2021 to 4:00 PM, 12 July 2021
Registered Charity in England and Wales (213766)
Match funded Campaign target
£20,000
Amount raised
£20,945
Donations
96
Location
United Kingdom
Campaign overview
Aims
Where's the money going?
Impact & reporting
Situation
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.
Solution
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.
"The pandemic and its impact on the economy has been devastating for so many, including human rights defenders. The generosity of our supporters has a hugely important role to play in helping keep people safe and enabling them to continue making a peaceful stand against injustice."
— Gary, chief executive at PoC
"The grant allowed me to complete both an academic and professional qualification. The psychological benefit is by far the greatest because these achievements strengthened my confidence and self-efficacy, with immediate positive impact on my entire family."
— Dorian, a prisoner of conscience
"I wanted justice for my husband; instead I was imprisoned and tortured. All of this had a terrible impact on my mental health. I managed to make my way to the UK and it was then I found PoC. Thanks to PoC I can start building my life and feel confident to contribute to society. Thank you"
— Gloria, a prisoner of conscience