They’re Silencing Us—One Voice at a Time
They’re Silencing Us—One Voice at a Time
By Dean Bordode
This isn't about someone else. This is about all of us.
The people defending your rights and mine are being systematically erased—through surveillance, blacklists, public shaming, and worse. It’s happening globally. And it’s happening quietly.
You might not hear their names on the news. You might not see the smear campaigns until they’ve already worked. You might not notice how quickly someone can go from respected advocate to “troublemaker,” from citizen to outcast. But I see it. I’ve lived it. And so have countless others who dared to stand up and speak out.
They call it democracy—but more and more, it feels conditional. Conditional on silence. Conditional on obedience. Conditional on not challenging power.
Human rights defenders are being discredited in boardrooms and courtrooms. They’re isolated from their communities, slandered online, stalked by unknown figures, and monitored like criminals. Their families are harassed. Their mental health is shattered. And yet, most still carry on, because the cost of giving up feels even greater.
But here's what most people don’t understand: this isn’t just a problem for activists. It’s a warning for everyone.
When the state, corporations, or institutions decide someone’s voice is dangerous, they don’t just argue back—they destroy credibility, livelihoods, relationships. It’s a quiet war on conscience. And most of the time, no one sees the casualties.
I know people who’ve been blacklisted from entire sectors for blowing the whistle. I know women who’ve been stalked or assaulted after speaking out for justice. I know Indigenous leaders who’ve had to flee their homelands because of threats to their lives. And I know what it’s like to be the only one left standing in a room once full of “allies.”
Still think it won’t touch you?
We are the buffer. The last barrier between tyranny and freedom. When human rights defenders are silenced, the whole society slips further into darkness.
So, what can you do?
Start by listening. Believe people when they say they’re being targeted—not because they’re paranoid, but because someone is afraid of what they represent. Speak out when others are silenced. Share their stories. Refuse to let fear make you complicit. Write letters. Show up. Vote with your conscience.
Because next time, it might be you they come for.
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Let’s talk.
Have you seen this happening in your country? In your community?
Leave a comment below. Let’s build solidarity—and strategy.
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Additional Read:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bordode_human-rights-defenders-are-hunted-silenced-activity-7323430228301639680-6XF1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAt6uLcB9eCXh00Vx5OVADPaaTkkR-5ZvjA
Mary Lawlor Agnes Callamard Karim A. A. Khan KC
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