A/HRC/40/60 Girl human rights defenders 59. In August 2018, 15-year-old Greta Thunberg of Sweden began a school strike on Fridays to protest inaction by the Government of Sweden on climate change, inspiring thousands of other students to do likewise in other countries. When she was 8 years old, Amariyanna Copeny called attention to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, in the United States, by writing to President Barack Obama and continues to be a prominent activist. Sixteen-year-old Palestinian Ahed Tamimi was detained in December 2017 in connection with her human rights work against Israeli occupation, land confiscation and settlement construction. She was sentenced to eight months of imprisonment. 22 60. Girls the world over promote and protect a wide range of rights – not just the right to education and gender equality – but because of their age, dependent status and other aspects of their identities they often face challenges. Perceived as too young or immature to participate in human rights activism, they are often sidelined or just given token attention. They are not given the same access to resources, knowledge and technologies as older human rights defenders. Funding is often inaccessible, as most girls do not have the track records and organizational structures required by funders. As they often lack the means to support themselves independently, losing family support because of their activism can be devastating. Support from fellow human rights defenders, especially girls, is crucial. Gender non-conforming defenders 61. Gender non-conforming persons do not conform to gender norms in, for example, their behaviour, dress or activities. They can be subjected to threats and attacks for their gender non-conformity, including from fellow defenders. 62. The Special Rapporteur is concerned about the situation of student transgender activist Victoria Obando, who was arrested by paramilitaries in León, Nicaragua, on 25 August 2018 for participating in student demonstrations against the Government. She remains at risk of mistreatment while she is held in a men’s prison, La Modelo. Indigenous women human rights defenders and women human rights defenders from minority groups 63. Indigenous women defenders are often involved in protecting their rights to their lands, territory and natural resources. They often resist the actions of corporations and local authorities that are much better resourced. Geographically dispersed and often living in rural areas, they can find it difficult to connect with fellow women defenders. 64. Women defenders belonging to minority groups are often at greater risk of prejudice and discrimination because of their activism and their minority backgrounds. In Chhattisgarh, India, for example, Adivasi schoolteacher Soni Sori continues to be slandered, harassed and intimidated by the police for her activism.23 In February 2016, she was the victim of an acid attack by unidentified assailants who warned her not to complain about the Inspector General of Bastar District and threatened her daughter. In 2011, she was arrested on eight charges. She was acquitted of seven of them and granted bail in connection with the eighth. While in custody, she reported being tortured and sexually harassed. 65. Sudha Bhardwaj, a lawyer who assists Adivasis, Dalits, workers and farmers, endured a vicious smear campaign and was arrested on 28 August 2018 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.24 Her house was raided, her personal items seized, and she has been placed under house arrest. 22 23 24 12 UA ISR 1/2018. AL IND 1/2016. AL IND 16/2018; AL IND 21/2018.