Defend the Defenders: Freedom and Justice

Introduction to the Campaign

Hello and welcome to our crowdfunding campaign. My name is Sharof Azizov, and I am the Founder and Secretary of the Board at Justice for All International / Justice pour Tous Internationale, a not-for-profit Association registered in Geneva (CHE-226.634.549). The Association has no profit purposes, including combating injustice and human rights abuses worldwide; promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, with a particular focus on the protection of entrepreneurs, human rights defenders, political activists, bloggers, and journalists at risk of persecution; and strengthen developing civil societies and democracies in the countries engaged. The Association offers professional assistance in preparing and submitting human rights violation complaints to the UN protection mechanisms.

Why This Campaign Matters

The importance of this campaign stems from our unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of fundamental human rights. In my career, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against injustice. From the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to silencing voices at international forums, the threats to freedom of expression are growing. This campaign aims to bolster our efforts to provide legal support, advocate for policy changes, and ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard and defended on the global stage.

Our campaign is ignited by a profound dedication to justice and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights. The UK's counter-terrorism and state security laws have cast a long shadow over the freedom of expression, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. Our recent submission to the Human Rights Committee's 140th session in Geneva underscores the urgent need for reform and advocacy. It highlights the undue targeting of journalists, political critics, peaceful protesters, and whistleblowers under the guise of national security—a concern that lies at the very heart of our campaign.

A United Stand at the UN Human Rights Committee

In March 2024, Justice for All International took a pivotal step forward in our fight for justice and transparency. We brought Ambassador Craig Murray Esq. to the meeting with the members of the Committee. He represented our Association. We made our voices heard at the 140th session of the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva, presenting a compelling case against the misuse of counter-terrorism and state security laws in the United Kingdom.

Our shadow report to the UN Human Rights Committee can be found here: https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2FCCPR%2FCSS%2FGBR%2F57473&Lang=en

Our advocacy for Craig Murray and Julian Assange can be found here:

Link to Ambassador Craig Murray's articulate representation of our concerns to the Committee members:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7173635712318128128/

Our call urging the UK Government to refrain from exploiting Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and other security and terrorism-related legislation to prosecute peaceful political protesters and critics of state policy who engage in non-violent expression, protest, and political advocacy: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7123828085698760704-BvFZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Our call urging the UK Government to release immediately Assange: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/justice-pour-tous-internationale_russia-calls-uk-courts-a-farce-over-wikileaks-activity-7178751230997905413-os78?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Advocating for Julian Assange

Our advocacy efforts shone a spotlight on the pressing case of Julian Assange. In a detailed presentation to the Committee, we underscored the critical importance of freedom of speech and the public’s right to information. We called upon the UK Government to halt the extradition proceedings and release Assange, emphasizing the global ramifications of his case on journalistic freedom and the protection of whistleblowers.

Championing the Cause of Craig Murray

Furthermore, we brought attention to the harrowing experience of Mr. Craig Murray, Esq., a staunch human rights defender and former British Ambassador. Murray's ordeal under Schedule 7 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000 stands as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those advocating for non-violent political causes, such as the Palestinian rights movement. His story, marked by self-exile due to the threats posed by anti-terrorism legislation, highlights the urgent need for reform and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Our Relationship and Mission

As the Founder and Secretary of the Board at Justice for All International / Justice pour Tous Internationale, I, Sharof Azizov, with over 25 years of experience in international litigation and hands-on fieldwork in regions including Central Asia, Europe, the Balkans, and beyond, along with my team, directly serve as advocates and defenders for whistleblowers, journalists, and human rights defenders globally. Our beneficiaries are those whose voices have been stifled by restrictive laws and government overreach, including, but not limited to, individuals like Julian Assange and Craig Murray, whose cases we have championed at international forums such as the UN Human Rights Committee.

Strategic Advocacy and Representation at the UN

Mr. Craig Murray, a distinguished former British Ambassador and a steadfast advocate for human rights, stands as a pivotal figure in our advocacy efforts. As our client, whom Justice for All International proudly represents at the United Nations, Mr. Murray embodies the courage and resilience that our organization seeks to support. His close friendship and solidarity with Julian Assange highlight a shared commitment to justice and the protection of whistleblowers and journalists worldwide. Through our representation of Mr. Murray at the UN, we aim not only to advocate for his causes but also to provide him with a platform to amplify his voice in support of Mr. Assange and others who find themselves in similar battles against injustice.

This strategic partnership underscores our organization's dedication to leveraging international human rights mechanisms to advocate for those who risk everything to bring truth to light. Mr. Murray's advocacy for Julian Assange, facilitated by our representation, exemplifies the powerful impact of collective action and international solidarity in the fight for human rights and freedom of expression.

Detailed Plan for Fund Usage:

To ensure full transparency with our donors and compliance with GoFundMe's guidelines, we want to clarify how the funds raised will be allocated:

1. Legal Advocacy and Representation: Funds will support legal defenses, including lawyer fees, court costs, and related legal expenses for our beneficiaries.

2. Engagement with International Bodies: Expenses for travel and accommodations to present at forums like the UN, directly benefiting our advocacy for Assange, Murray, and similar cases.

3. Report Development and Research: Allocation for costs related to compiling and disseminating reports on human rights abuses, crucial for our broader advocacy work.

4. Educational Initiatives: Funding workshops and materials to educate communities on their rights, indirectly supporting our beneficiaries by fostering a more informed and supportive public.

Beneficiary Transparency:

It's crucial to note that while individuals like Julian Assange and Craig Murray benefit from our advocacy, they do not receive direct financial transfers from this campaign. All proceeds are managed by Justice for All International to support our advocacy, legal representation, and educational efforts, ensuring that each contribution furthers our mission to defend human rights globally.

Join Our Global Community:

This campaign transcends financial support; it's an invitation to join a global movement dedicated to safeguarding human rights. Your contribution, whether financial or by sharing our mission, is invaluable in our fight for justice and human dignity.

Our Gratitude:

We thank you for your generosity, trust, and commitment to human rights. Together, we can achieve a world where truth, justice, and freedom are not just ideals but realities for all.