2 - Counter-cartographies and solidarity with Human Rights Defenders

Presentation Abstract
This paper reflects on the experiences of Human Right Defenders (HRDs). It aims to provide layered perspectives and stances in fighting for human rights amidst authoritarian regimes. The paper argues for a nuanced understanding of HRDs' experiences, advocacies, and aspirations, while at the same time not shying away from discussing their victimisation. To this end, this work highlights counter-cartography through geonarratives in decentering hegemonic discourses surrounding HRDs, towards visibilising their practices of agency and resistance. In doing so, geonarratives seek to enhance HRDs' ability to advocate for themselves, as well as for marginalised individuals and communities. This recognises their layered struggles in navigating both the complexities of their own voices and their role to empower the voiceless.
The theoretical approach of this paper strives to demonstrate the role of counter-cartography through geonarratives as a critical methodology that resists and refuses the total erasure of hidden narratives, and instead promotes solidarity among marginalised communities. As such, this paper calls for further discussion concerning the intersection of geonarratives and counter-cartography within the complexities of Human Rights Defenders' experiences to foster critical dialogues on the value of diverse narratives and spatial methodologies for future research and advocacy.

Co-Author 1
Aireen Grace Andal, Macquarie University