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Stories from the front lines of COVID-19

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, daily life has come to a standstill for millions—but for local leaders and grassroots organizers, their work is just beginning.

From Latin America to Sub-Saharan Africa, Fund-backed activists and organizations are working tirelessly to protect the health, safety, and rights of their communities. Below, you can read their inspiring stories #fromthefrontlines of the pandemic in the Global South.

The Fund was built for a moment like this. Our model of flexible funding and strategic assistance enables our partners to adapt their work, reallocate resources, and provide the support their communities need.

Help us ensure frontline activists and community leaders have the resources necessary to safeguard fundamental human rights and defend vulnerable or marginalized populations. With your support, we will weather this storm—together.

Publications

From the Front Lines: Grantees Share Strategies, Challenges, and Feedback

January 20, 2022 by Alison Miranda
Stories

Three Social Justice Movements to Watch Now

September 16, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

Sustaining grassroots activism through COVID-19 and beyond

August 12, 2021 by David Mattingly
Commentary

How to Finance a Gender-Equal Recovery to COVID-19

July 8, 2021 by Maria Alesi
Updates

India in Crisis: The Fund Launches Campaign to Support Grassroots Response to COVID-19

May 27, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

India in Crisis: Izad Foundation

May 24, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

India in Crisis: National Network of Sex Workers

May 24, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

India in Crisis: Samarthan

May 24, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

India in Crisis: DISHA

May 24, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Woman in western Uganda holds a farm tool over her shoulder Stories

Helping Communities in Uganda Hold Onto Their Home

May 19, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

6 Essential Reads (and 1 Podcast) About Human Rights and Philanthropy

May 12, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Tuning In to Human Rights Radio

May 3, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Three Lessons for Preventing Youth Incarceration   

April 15, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Remembering Our Colleagues Ana Paula Hernández and Sally O’Neill

April 7, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

COVID-19 Has Changed Philanthropy Forever

March 29, 2021 by David Mattingly
Stories

COVID-19 and Human Rights: One Year Later

March 11, 2021 by Cheryl Blowers
Commentary

The Dangerous Impact COVID-19 Is Having on Human Rights

January 13, 2021 by Regan Ralph
Updates

What We’re Looking Forward to in 2021

January 4, 2021 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Hunger Is A Human Rights Issue

December 22, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

The Piece Of Paper That Can Save Migrants’ Lives

December 18, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Meet The Woman Protecting Ethnic Minorities From COVID-19

December 10, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Where Breaking Curfew Can Mean Being Beaten By Police

December 1, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

How One Woman In Uganda Escaped Domestic Abuse During COVID-19

November 25, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

Art, Activism, and NGO Storytelling: Highlights from a Discussion Between James Logan and Ekow Eshun

October 21, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Fund-supported Groups Are Tackling Hunger On World Food Day

October 16, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

What Kind of Support Do Human Rights Activists Need During COVID-19?

September 28, 2020 by David Mattingly
Commentary

Civic Space Another of COVID-19’s Victims

September 23, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

In Uganda, Community Radio Educates People About COVID-19—and Human Rights

September 9, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

West Africa Beat Ebola. But Did It Learn From It?

September 3, 2020 by John Kabia
Stories

Meet the Nationwide Coalition Supporting Human Rights Defenders in Kenya

August 25, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

A Hotline Providing Hope for Women Facing Abuse in El Salvador

August 18, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

UPDATE: Frontline Activists Step Up for the Sex Worker Community

August 11, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Working to Address Remote Learning Gaps in Uganda

August 6, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

Dismantling Inequality Must Be Part of the Pandemic Response

July 31, 2020 by Regan Ralph
Stories

Nepali Laborers Win a Decisive Victory in Northern India

July 30, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Opening Doors of Dialogue during COVID-19

July 25, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Updates

Announcing the COVID-19 Grassroots Justice Fund

July 20, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

How Are Human Rights Defenders Responding to COVID-19?

July 15, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Three Ways to Create Hope During COVID-19

July 7, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Celebrate Pride With This Tunisian Comic about LGBTQ Life in Lockdown

June 30, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Creating a Lifeline for Domestic Workers in India

June 25, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

How Civil Society is Fighting Back Against Coronavirus Crackdowns

June 24, 2020 by James Savage
Stories

Inspired by the Garifuna, Honduran Activists Offer Community Meals in the Capital

June 17, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

UPDATE: Ugandan Activists Rally to Defend Arrested LGBTQ Youth

June 9, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Ensuring Answers for Families of Migrants Lost to the Pandemic

June 5, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Local Activists Play a Vital Role in Public Health

June 2, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

What Covid-19 Means For Equity And Inclusion

May 28, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Nigerian Civil Society Pushes Back on Draconian Disease Bill

May 21, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

In Sierra Leone, Community Leaders Are Learning from the Ebola Crisis to Safeguard Children

May 15, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

As Myanmar’s Military Advances, Karen Groups Call for Peace—and Offer Relief

May 13, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Local Activists Support Women Living in Lockdown with Their Abusers

May 7, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Local Leaders Fight for Rights and Relief on India’s Tea Plantations

May 4, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Ensuring the Well-Being and Rights of Children in the DRC Through the Pandemic

April 29, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

Philanthropists Must Step Up and Adapt to Support Local Community Action

April 29, 2020 by David Mattingly
Stories

Local Leaders Combat Food Insecurity in Honduras

April 27, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

As a Global Food Crisis Looms, Local Leaders Offer Solutions

April 24, 2020 by Regan Ralph
Stories

Facing Restrictive Emergency Measures, Nigerian Activists Unite To Overcome

April 14, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Meet the Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines Helping Communities Face the Pandemic

April 9, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Commentary

Community Activists and Action are Key to the COVID-19 Response

April 6, 2020 by Regan Ralph
Stories

Pivoting to Protect the Health and Rights of Migrants in Morocco

April 3, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Honduran Police Abuse Pandemic Powers, Local Activists Push Back

April 1, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Supporting Indian Workers Whose Livelihoods Disappeared Overnight

March 27, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Stories

Kenya’s Coastal Community Comes Together to Form COVID-19 Response Team

March 25, 2020 by Fund for Global Human Rights
Updates

Human Rights and COVID-19: A Message from our CEO

March 23, 2020 by Regan Ralph
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