DEFEND INTERNATIONAL (Dl) is an independent, voluntary, non governmental organ. It forms a worldwide community of DI Defenders, supporters, stakeholders, donors and friends. It has subscribers in every part of the world, with the greatest number in the Middle East and North Africa region.

We are committed to act with impartiality, integrity, honesty and objectivity in all matters related to human rights. DI members are encouraged to take part in DI's democratic and decision-making processes. 

Our mission is to bring about grave violations of human rights and of International Humanitarian Law and to achieve justice by struggling against the impunity of violators.

What does Defend International do?

Defend International aims to combat human rights violations by:

• Spreading awareness among policymakers, the public and the media;
• Researching, mobilising public opinion and disseminating knowledge about human rights abuses;
• Lobbying governments and intergovernmental organisations to implement constitutions, conventions, protocols and other measures to guarantee the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - rights like liberty, security and resistance to oppression;
• Promoting the work of NGOs to prevent human rights abuses through national and local legislation, regional agreements, research and training opportunitites;
• Campaigning for change, including appeal campaigns for the release of prisoners, and campaigns calling for reforms in laws  and practices;
• Spreading a culture based on human rights, dialogue, non-violence and democracy; democracy is important because democracies have a better record of upholding the rule of law and affording human rights greater protection;
• Adopting and inculcating a culture of peace, equality and solidarity in the minds of individuals;
• Protecting civilians against all forms of violence and other human rights violations during armed conflict;
• Building up the capacity of civil society organisations so as to enable them to play a more active role in post-conflict negotiations and peacebuilding nationally and globally;
• Promoting disarmament and demilitarisation to manifest support for efforts to bring peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict,
• Promoting mutual understanding and respect through interaction among civilisations and nations; 
• Reviewing developments in human rights policies, legislations and practices;
• Fostering collaborative advocacy efforts, and providing a forum for NGOs to share experiences and build skills;
• Investigating human rights in the context of developments in the international arena;
• Publicising human rights violations across the world;
• Promoting the voices of victims at the regional and international level;
• Developing necessary measures to resist violence against women and children, including domestic violence;
• Acting to ensure the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as various UN resolutions on women, peace and security;
• Establishing local, regional and sub-regional human right networks;
• Combining training and economical aid to the victims and survivors of human rights violations.