The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDefend) is a grassroots movement of more than 70 individual and organizational members based in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as in Europe, Canada, United States, and Australia. It is a grassroots movement that defends the rights and upholds the dignity of all Filipinos. It engages with the government, educates and organizes the public and transforms collective voices into public action. iDEFEND works towards the realization of a rights-based governance that is anchored on respect for due process and rule of law. It works with local and international networks. iDefend members conduct monitoring and documentation of human rights violations, wellness and medical services, policy and legal advocacy, human rights education and training, and protection mechanisms for human rights defenders.
History
iDefend was convened by the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) in 2016 at the beginning of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte; it was initially called Citizens’ Council for Human Rights then renamed to In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement.
Vision
iDefend envisions a culture of accountability, rights-based governance and people-centered development in Philippine society.
Mission
Its mission is towards a human rights movement that provides a platform to empower the people to resist State repression and to address its root causes.
Goals
Its goals are to reclaim the public narrative on human rights norms and principles; reclaim democratic spaces and institutions for human rights advocacy, organizing and education; and advocate for social transformation that ends impunity, corporate greed & social inequality.