In recent years, there has been greater attention to the mental and emotional impacts of risky forms of activism. People engaged in human rights activism around the world are often exposed to human rights violations, discrimination and stigmatisation; some have experienced direct threats and attacks in the course of their work. Research conducted by the Centre for Applied Human Rights highlights that the valorisation of bravery, heroism, and ‘being strong’ in the face of adversity and insecurity - common in cultures of human rights practice - contributes to human rights defenders’ reluctance to seek support as they suffer. This seminar focuses on the political, social, and economic conditions that shape the defense of human rights, and explores how human rights communities can foster self- and collective care amongst human rights defenders at risk while resisting oppression and calling for justice.