This Fact Sheet is intended to provide Governments and a wide range of professionals who frequently come into contact with human rights defenders with a rapid understanding of what a “human rights defender” is and what activities defenders undertake; to support the right to defend human rights; to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders from any repercussions of their work; to provide a tool for human rights defenders in conducting advocacy and training activities. The Fact Sheet also contains a brief analysis of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and provides an introduction to the activities and methods of work of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General of the United Nations on human rights defenders.