Human rights defenders risk their lives every day. Social leaders, environmental activists, trade union leaders and indigenous people defending human rights and environment are threatened and attacked around the world. Last year, 358 human rights defenders were murdered in 35 countries. About 60 percent defended the right to their land, the environment or the rights of indigenous people. Colombia was by far the deadliest country with 138 murdered human rights defenders. In southern Africa, women’s rights defenders and those protesting against gender based violence are often met with threats. The threats and violence are extended to family members and relatives, who along with the human rights defenders live in a situation of insecurity. How can we reverse this negative trend and support those who defend their rights? A discussion between human rights defenders from Colombia and Zimbabwe, Swedish civil society organizations and decision makers.