Guadalupe Marengo: Amnesty International, Head of the Global Human Rights Defenders Programme and Head of the Global Relief Programme

Human rights defenders are essential to every movement for justice. They expose abuses, defend their communities, challenge those in power, and help advance the rights many of us rely on every day. Yet across the globe, the space for this work is rapidly shrinking, making the defense of human rights itself an increasingly dangerous act. Our guest is Guadalupe Marengo, Head of Amnesty International's Global Human Rights Defenders Team and Head of the Global Relief Programme. Amnesty International is one of the world's most respected human rights organizations, with a movement of more than 10 million people across the globe. She leads the efforts to protect and support human rights defenders around the world while overseeing emergency assistance for those facing persecution because of their peaceful work. With more than two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, and campaigning, Guadalupe has worked alongside defenders across Latin America and beyond, helping ensure they are not left to face these risks alone. In this conversation, she introduces us to the remarkable people behind the title "human rights defender." We discuss why attacks against defenders are increasing across the globe, the communities most at risk, Amnesty International's work to protect them, and why safeguarding those who defend the rights of others is essential to protecting human rights for us all. SHOW NOTES Episode Transcript Here Amnesty International Get Involved with Amnesty International Instagram: Amnesty International Facebook: Amnesty International TikTok: Amnesty International LinkedIn: Amnesty International  Human Rights Defenders Memorial Rainforest Alliance Front Line Defenders Declaration on Human Rights Defenders +25 Report & Article Amnesty International: State of the World's Human Rights Report (2025) Why Protecting Human Rights Defenders Must Be a Priority for Us All by Guadalupe Marengo