My name is Sojoud Omer Ahmed Elgarrai. I was born and raised in Omdurman, Sudan. I grew up in a family deeply rooted in human rights advocacy and from a young age, I watched my father – a journalist and writer, tackle human rights issues in Sudan, publishing numerous articles and reports. I also saw him being arrested multiple times and receiving threats often because he was so outspoken in his fight for justice, accountability, and freedom of expression. Despite the repression and struggles, he remained courageous, and I was so inspired by his courage that I decided to follow in his footsteps. I also found my calling in the cause of holding those in power accountable and safeguarding fundamental human rights in Sudan.”

“Quite early in my career, when I was working with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, I experienced firsthand just how dangerous human rights work can be. Some of my colleagues and I were detained from 8am to 8pm, and we were interrogated for hours before being released. But that ordeal only made me more determined and committed to the cause, and over the years, I have faced repeated threats, intimidation and targeting due to my journalism work and human rights advocacy.”

“In 2021, my father and the whole family were facing serious risks, and we needed urgent protection. This is when I reached out to DefendDefenders, who provided the support we needed for my father to relocate to a safer place and give my family a stronger sense of security. DefendDefenders continue to give crucial support, including security enhancements and living cost assistance, which has empowered me to continue my advocacy work. Today, I serve as the chairperson of the Human Rights Defenders in Exile Working Group, and I also work with a Sudanese organisation in Uganda, which offers psychosocial support to Sudanese refugees who have fled conflict. Work can be hard and life-threatening, but it is important because it saves lives.