The United Nations’ understanding of a human rights defender is inclusive, focusing on the nature of the activity rather than a specific status. As such, student activists who engage in promoting and protecting human rights fall within this definition. This encompasses a broad spectrum of actions, from advocating for educational rights and combating discrimination to promoting social justice and addressing environmental concerns. The UN acknowledges the crucial role of young people in defending human rights, and the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders recognizes the work of young human rights defenders. As articulated, “human rights defenders are persons, groups and organs of society that promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms” (United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, n.d.). Therefore, when students actively participate in such endeavors, they are rightfully considered human rights defenders under the UN’s framework.
Reference United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (n.d.). Human rights defenders: Protecting the right to defend human rights. Retrieved from: https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/defenders/about-human-rights-defenders