Releases in 2024 While criminalisation and arbitrary detention continue to be one of the main risks for HRDs worldwide, and many of them suffer appalling detention conditions, some regain their freedom after more or less prolonged periods of detention. This is possible mainly thanks to the relentless advocacy of HRDs’ families, colleagues and civil society organisations who, by continuing to raise their cases and to demand their release, do not allow the injustices they suffer to be forgotten. In 9 of the 17 pilot countries, SOS-Defenders documented HRD releases during 2024. Total number of releases in 2024 11 Number of releases per country 11. Of the 50 cases, 36 have been published and 14 are confidential. 12 50