This session will highlight the important roles of environmental and human rights defenders. We will reflect and learn together about the narratives and messaging around the criminalization of rights defenders. In general, it is difficult to build strong public campaign messages that can mobilize audiences around securing land rights while protecting the human rights of the defenders themselves. We will hear from activists on success stories and failures, and test what does and does not work well in reaching out to the public in a safe manner. Real-life cases will direct our joint reflection and constructive feedback. Together, we will find ways to ensure that messaging around the criminalization of human rights defenders connects and aligns with country advocacy strategies and goals to secure collective land rights.