The 16th edition of the Ciutats Defensores dels Drets Humans (Human Rights Defender Cities programme) will begin on 13 April with the launch of its spring tour, to be held at the headquarters of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. Until 22 April, five human rights defenders from Mexico, Colombia, Palestine, El Salvador and Kurdistan will travel across several municipalities in Catalonia to share their experiences and denounce the human rights violations they face in their territories.
The initiative, coordinated by the Fons Català de Cooperació al Desenvolupament and managed by the Comissió Catalana d’Ajuda al Refugiat, involves 28 local councils and several Catalan organisations and institutions, including ICIP, which provides institutional support.
Since 2013, Human Rights Defender Cities has worked to raise the visibility of human rights defenders, denounce the persecution they face, and strengthen protection networks while fostering a more informed and engaged public on human rights issues.
Voices from the frontlines
At the heart of the programme is the stay in Catalonia of a group of defenders working in contexts of conflict or high vulnerability. During their visit, they take part in conferences, educational activities, institutional meetings and media engagements.
This year’s participants come from diverse backgrounds but share a common thread: a sustained commitment to defending human rights in challenging environments.
Jenkidar Shikhdmmar, from Kurdistan, works to raise awareness about the situation of the Kurdish people and the rights violations faced by minorities. From Colombia, Natali González Arce brings extensive experience in peacebuilding, feminism and working with young people at risk of social exclusion.
Ana Julia Escalante, from El Salvador, supports processes to locate children who disappeared during the civil war, contributing to historical memory and victim reparation. From Palestine, Zaina Qazzaz will share the perspective of a generation shaped by the conflict in Gaza and the challenges of continuing their life projects. Meanwhile, Constantino Rubén Moreno Méndez will present his work defending the rights of Indigenous peoples and documenting human rights violations in Chiapas, Mexico.
Support and advocacy from Catalonia
The presence of these voices in Catalonia goes beyond symbolism. The tour provides a space of temporary protection and international visibility for individuals who often work under risk, while also fostering dialogue with institutions, civil society and the broader public.
In this context, ICIP’s involvement reflects its commitment to promoting a culture of peace, supporting human rights defenders, and contributing to narratives that connect global realities with local contexts.
The spring tour will be followed by a second phase in autumn, scheduled from 29 September to 8 October, consolidating a project that, beyond individual visits, seeks to build lasting alliances in defence of human rights.
