Human rights defenders and activists are regularly exposed to severe human rights violations, crimes against humanity and other traumatic experiences in their work to protect the rights of the people they work for. Global research on the phenomena of burnout amongst this group has shown that it has become increasingly pervasive, and much effort has been made to make this reality visible. Compassion fatigue (the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal that can be experienced by those who care for traumatized people over an extended period of time without being able to recharge), vicarious trauma (a profound shift in worldview that can occur in anyone who continuously engages empathetically with survivors of traumatic incidents) and burnout (the slower onset of physical and emotional exhaustion that can result from being powerless, unsatisfied or overwhelmed) are amongst most common mental health challenges in the group of defenders of fundamental freedoms. The daily activities of defenders for fundamental freedoms are accompanied by perpetual stress. Fighting for justice demands physical resilience, emotional readiness, quick responsiveness to problems, constant communication, caring for others, solidarity, and empathy. Often, they face reprisals and repression by the states in an attempt the silent them. In addition, this group often prioritizes their work and does not take time for themselves.
Refugees are the ultimate invisible group of victims of state repression and reprisal. As a consequence of political instability, conflict or war, they have left their home countries to find shelter elsewhere. Their mental health challenges are exacerbated by the traumatic experience of fleeing their county. Living in refugee communities, they often do not have the knowledge and means how to access mental health care in their host countries, and therapy is often not available in their native language.
