Together We Defend

United nations + Burness Communications

Defending the defenders

Human rights activists are increasingly targeted by governments and corporations for speaking out and organizing to defend people’s human rights around the world, often with the threat of real harm or even death. As these threats became more alarming and activists were murdered, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed a Special Rapporteur to investigate and better understand the situation of people defending human rights. During his tenure, Michel Forst’s office worked with Burness Communications on a campaign to raise awareness about human rights defenders, and how every day citizens can play a part in protecting them and defending them.

Our rallying cry and campaign tagline was Together We Defend, a theme to unite and inspire every day people around the globe to see themselves as every day defenders, understand who human rights defenders are and what they do, and elevate the defenders doing dangerous but important work.

The campaign included a visual identity, social media, a campaign website and anthem video. The primary goal was to increase public awareness about human rights defenders and email capture from the campaign landing page.

Part of our discovery process for campaign development included meeting with the Special Rapporteur, Michel Forst, to hear directly from him about just how dangerous and important the work of human rights defenders is. Getting the opportunity to discuss such an important global issue with him remains a highlight of my career!

Project Credits
Creative + Art Direction: Kara Basabe
Digital Strategy: Nick Dean, Katie Fogleman
Producer: Katie Fogleman
Video Editing and Production: Emic Films
Agency: Burness Communications
Client: United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders

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About
Kara is a creative director and designer living in Richmond, Virginia. You might find her attempting to rollerblade, painting with watercolor, forgetting to water the plants or watching movies.