Binalakshmi Nepram
Binalakshmi Nepram is a human rights defender, an advocate for gender equality and a writer. In 2007, in order to help women who are affected by gun violence in Manipur, Binalakshmi Nepram launched the Manipuri Women Gun Survivors Network (MWGSN). She is also leading work in India on the right to life by addressing anti-personnel landmines, cluster bombs and the international Arms Trade Treaty. She is the recipient of several national and international awards for her efforts to rehabilitate women suffering oppression and sufferers of armed conflict in Manipur and Northeast Region.
Human rights defenders in India face a diverse range of attacks and harassment for their wor defending the rights of others, including killings, torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, smear campaigns, and judicial harassment. People defending the rights of marginalised communities are targeted by state and non-state actors alike. Armed groups and private companies also target HRDs and community leaders for work related to economic development projects and their impact on the local communities or the environment. HRDs have also been labelled as "insurgents" or “Naxalites” (Maoists), in an attempt to discredit their work and justify their targeting.
