Civil rights and aid workers are constantly facing the dangers of being kindapped or killed, but a recently-developed wristband could soon come to their aid. A bracelet has been developed by the Civil Rights Defenders campaign group to help those in danger when working in war zones and areas of conflict.

When the bracelet is triggered, the alarm uses phone and sat-nav technology to warn of the wearer being in danger, and pinpoint their exact location. Distress alerts are sent as posts to Facebook and Twitter. The bracelet has mobile phone technology built in which can send prepared messages when the bracelet is triggered.

Workers can manually send alerts if they feel threatened, but the bracelet will be triggered automatically if it is forcibly removed. In theory, nearby personnel will be notified in order to assist the person in danger.

Robert Hardh, executive director of the Civil Rights Defenders said:

Most of us, given the chance, would like to help others in danger.

These civil rights defenders are risking their lives for others to have the right to vote, or to practise religion or free speech.

The bracelet was developed after the kidnapping and murder of Chechen rights worker, Natalia Estemirova in 2009.

By the end of 2014, 55 bracelets will have been given out.

A commercial version of the bracelet could have widespread application in our own country, as we struggle against spiraling rape statistics.

[Source: BBC News]