For those wanting an abortion, the result of Poland’s abortion ban has been agonizing – some are being forced to continue through pregnancies against their will, including in cases of fatal or severe foetal impairment, while others will have no choice but to travel abroad to seek care if they have the financial means to do so, or to seek underground abortions. Such inhumane and degrading treatment has been described by the European Court of Human Rights as tantamount to torturing women.
It is no wonder then that protesters have been pushing back against this terrifying situation, along with other human rights violations occurring daily in Poland – protesters like Nadia, a young student who has paid the price for her activism with death threats, unrelenting violent behaviour, sexism and discrimination. Or Katarzyna, whose arm was broken by the police during a protest, and who frequently faces visceral personal attacks online. Or Dariusz, who has been criminally charged several times by the police as retaliation for his activism, and whose family have been targeted as a result.
Their stories are three of so many, and we hope we can count on your support by donating to them today, as part of a new campaign called #DefendTheDefenders. Your generous contribution will go directly to human rights defenders in Poland to cover legal expenses and assistance for those being taken to court for standing up for human rights and democratic values; a social fund for those who have lost their livelihoods in retaliation for their activism; and psychological help for those whose mental health has suffered as a result of their brave actions.
Can’t donate today? We understand! Please consider learning more about these heroic activists as part of the #DefendTheDefenders campaign instead, and sharing it with your networks:
