Inspired by Marvel and DC Superheroes, Amnesty UK have created a unique and inspiring take on a superhero collective – ‘The Human Rights Defenders’, aiming to spotlight the work of real life heroes battling for their rights worldwide.

Passion is their power, and human rights for all is their mission – and the latest issue of Amnesty magazine features them in an eight page insert, with art by Marvel and DC artist Neil Edwards.

Not all superheroes wear capes. All over the world, Amnesty International notes, hard won rights are being weakened and denied every day. Like being able to live, work and love freely without facing abuse, imprisonment or even death for who they are and the choices they make.

But ordinary people with extraordinary passion are fighting back. They are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, teachers and students, nurses and journalists. They call out the discrimination and unfair treatment they see around them every day. They stand to protect themselves, their communities, you. They are Human Rights Defenders.

Human Rights Defenders have never been in greater danger than they are today. Since January 2012, more than 142 restrictive legal initiatives have been imposed on civil society in more than 72 countries. And despite the introduction of the UN’s Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in 1998, at least 3,500 Human Rights Defenders have since been killed.

In a bid to shed light on this issue and lobby the UK government to adopt a clear and coherent strategy to support and protect human right defenders around the world, Amnesty has launched a campaign to encourage the UK public to #SendBackUp.

Each of the five Human Rights Defenders are inspired by real life activists and through this campaign, Amnesty International is sharing their inspiring stories:

EVIE: Defending Women’s Rights

Evie spoke out about sexual harassment at work during a #MeToo rally. The speech was recorded by a news channel and went viral – now she’s spreading her message far and wide on behalf of women everywhere. But with the press and social media flooding with abusive comments about her, will it all become too much to bear?

FELIPE: Defending LGBTI Rights

Felipe’s partner Lucas was murdered in a drive-by shooting for being gay. The police have done nothing to bring his killers to justice. Now Felipe is fighting for LGBTI rights in Brazil – but with a new far-right government in power, will love win over hate?

LAILA: Defending Equal rights

Laila became a feminist icon when she helped win Saudi Arabian women the right to drive. But the Saudi prince didn’t take too kindly to her new found fame – and how he wants her kept quiet. Will this be the last we ever hear from her?

LI WEI: Defending Free press

As a talented hacker and IT expert, Li Wei runs one of China’s most subversive news sites, exposing the truth to millions. Now he’s a wanted man – and in the world’s most powerful surveillance state, where is there to hide?

AYAH: Defending the fight against climate change

Droughts in Ayah’s homeland have left thousands struggling to cope. Now she’s taken to the streets of Kenya with her schoolmates to fight back against climate change. She wants a brighter future for us all – but how can one girl take down the big oil companies?

The characters stories come to life in Hollywood style film posters; action figures; a comic strip by Marvel and DC artist, Neil Edwards; and a film teaser featuring a voiceover by actor, activist and writer Gillian Anderson OBE.

“I believe It’s our duty to defend those who defend human rights,” Gillian commented. “Who will protect our rights, if they don’t? And who will protect them if we don’t call on our governments to make the protection of human rights defenders a priority. That’s why I felt this was such an important campaign to be a part of. If we don’t who will?”

Actors Patrick Stewart and Paul Bettany, known for their involvement in the Marvel films, have also shown their support for the campaign by providing review quotes for the film posters.

“Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These are the real-life heroes,” says Patrick Stewart.

Amnesty International argues that, as a world leader, the UK needs to do more to protect Human Rights Defenders. Only by showing consistent support for those on the front line of protecting human rights will the country make a real and sustainable impact in all areas of its human rights work.

Comic book and storyboard artist Neil Edwards lives and works in Wrexham, North Wales. After graduating with a BA Hons in Graphic Design at Carlisle College of Art and Design, he went on to produce his first commercial work for Marvel in 1996. From there he worked for graphic design agencies before becoming freelance and a Marvel exclusive artist. His many credits, for a wide variety of publishers in both the UK and US, include Superman, Doctor Who, The Avengers, Batman and more. He drew the Spider-Man: Season One story, a New York Times best seller.

• The Human Rights Defenders need you to #SendBackUp, so they can continue to do their important work without the threat of harassment, intimidation or violence – find out more at www.amnesty.org.uk/defenders | Ask your MP to take the lead on protecting human rights defenders? Amnesty International UK is calling for the UK public to follow this link to send a call for back-up to their local MPs

With thanks to Richard Sheaf

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

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Tags: Amnesty International, downthetubes News, Neil Edwards, SendBackUp, The Human Rights Defenders