A/HRC/43/51 entities and criminal organizations, the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trade in arms, they challenge established interests and the distribution of power. Some also become directly exposed when promoting policies set by peace agreements that provide for disarmament or alternatives to illicit exploitations. In conflict and post-conflict situations, there is indisputable evidence that defenders are particularly at risk when they belong to indigenous communities or to certain religious or ethnic minorities or because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is in main cities that defenders are most likely to find protection, with the presence of international organizations. But those in most remote areas are the forgotten one. (Defender, Democratic Republic of the Congo) 26. The relative isolation of some defenders and the systemic protection gaps are aggravating factors, particularly in remote conflict areas. Such areas can be almost entirely devoid of human rights organizations and defenders, many of who may already be in exile, leaving those remaining feeling disconnected and further exposed to threats, attacks and reprisal. In some conflict-affected areas, limited State presence, including of law enforcement and judicial authorities, perpetuates severe protection gaps. Where administrative and judicial oversight is missing, defenders are notably vulnerable to arbitrary arrest and detention. If you bring up the issue of Boko Haram and try to intervene on the groundless cases of people jailed supposedly for links with the organization, people can quickly start to suspect you of complicity. (Defender, Cameroon) 27. Defenders are the potential target of a range of actors. Any human rights-related activity tends to trigger the imputation of opinions, allegiances or intentions and easily place defenders at risk. In areas controlled by militias and in areas witnessing the expansion or resurgence of armed groups or criminal gangs, they are routinely exposed. Where peace processes break down, the resumption of hostilities heightens the risks. Under occupation or in disputed areas, they are vulnerable not only vis-à-vis the authorities of the occupying powers or de facto authorities but also vis-à-vis extremist groups. Not only do people attack us for our human rights work, but they attack us because we are women; they attack how we look, how we live. It is important to develop strategies for the protection of women defenders because we are totally alone. (Defender, Turkey) 28. Women defenders operating in conflict or post-conflict areas often work in lifethreatening circumstances and are particularly exposed to gender-based violence, including sexual violence. They are more directly affected by breakdowns in health-care services, including sexual and reproductive services. 41 Women defenders face patriarchal stereotypes, discrimination and harassment, direct threats to their physical integrity and psychological well-being, all of which often extend to their relatives. In certain contexts, women defenders are particular targets of armed or terrorist groups and of fundamentalist members of their own religious communities. In several conflict situations, the rights of women defenders are violated at alarming rates. While they gain international recognition, their legitimacy as defenders continues to be challenged. Too many of those seeking protection were reportedly advised to renounce their activities and withdraw from the public sphere. 29. More generally, the Special Rapporteur is alarmed by mounting evidence, in conflict and post-conflict situations, that systematic and often State-led strategies combining delegitimization and criminalization are used to silence defenders. Defenders are the target of orchestrated smear campaigns inciting discrimination and violence, in both public discourse and online. They are alternatively accused of being “foreign agents” conducting “anti-national activities”, “operatives with dual roles”, “internal enemies”, “terrorists” or “spoilers of peace, development or social harmony”. Such labelling and criminalization sometimes follows from their compelled engagement with non-State authorities and with 41 Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, general recommendation No. 30, paras. 2, 36 and 50. 9