Egypt’s recent lifting of a four-year state of emergency and giving of more powers to the president and security services has made the world take notice of human rights defenders. However, this change hasn’t meant that the government has taken its commitment to protecting rights to the people at home and abroad to heart. While releasing several prominent activists, thousands remain in jail and courts continue to roll out verdicts against others. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations continue to campaign for greater protection for environmental and human-rights defenders.

Human Rights Defenders In Egypt Adventures

One recent example of this is Craig Kielburger’s trip to Southeast Asia to visit child laborers and people living on the streets. After saving for years, he negotiated a flight ticket and met with local human rights organizations to get firsthand information. As an escort, he also arranged meetings with children’s rights groups and other human rights activists. These meetings have changed his outlook on human rights activism and the work that needs to be done.

As a pre-teen, Craig Kielburger was encouraged by his parents to travel to Southeast Asia and meet child laborers and people living on the street. He and his girlfriend saved money and eventually bought a plane ticket to go. A Bangladeshi friend, Alam Rahman, was accompanying them to help organize meetings with local human rights organizations and activists. It was a transformative experience for both of them. But it also sparked a personal connection between him and these young activists.

…