Policy Briefs

These Policy Briefs explore key issues related to the security, protection and well-being of human rights defenders, providing recommendations for policy-makers and stakeholders.

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National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are not always equipped or designed to be effective and to comply with their mandate. They often function alongside other government bodies that are party to rights violations. Drawing on examples from Indonesia and Thailand, this Policy Brief identifies opportunities and vulnerabilities of NHRIs in protecting HRDs.

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Human rights defenders who work in insecure, difficult and dangerous contexts are at risk of experiencing burnout, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. At the same time, cultures of human rights practice tend to value bravery, commitment, sacrifice, and selflessness, which inhibit defenders from engaging in self-care.

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This policy brief explores the findings from a first of its kind global study which mapped how human rights organisations are responding to the mental health and wellbeing needs of advocates. The study found that, generally, organisations have responded poorly and much more needs to be done at all levels — individual, organisational, and field-wide.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 6 | NOVEMBER 2018

Gender, Intersectionality, and Security

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Some women defenders experience higher levels of societal and institutional discrimination than others; some also experience sexism and discrimination within human rights movements. This Policy Brief examines how gender and intersectionality affects women defenders’ risks, the issues they face, and their experiences of security and protection.

Available in English, عربى , Español, Bahasa Indonesia , Kiswahili

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 5 | OCTOBER 2018

Countering the Stigmatization of Human Rights Defenders

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The negative impacts of stigmatisation can be invisible, subtle, and long-lasting; they can result in more threats and attacks against defenders and the fragmentation of communities and movements. Countering the stigmatisation of HRDs is critical to their security and protection, as is the promotion of the legitimacy of their human rights practice.

Available in English, عربى , Espanol, Bahasa Indonesia , Kiswahili

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 4 | APRIL 2018

Families and Loved Ones in the Security and Protection of Defenders at Risk

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Families and loved ones are central to the lives of human rights defenders. Drawing upon discussions with defenders from Colombia, Mexico, Egypt, Kenya and Indonesia, this brief discusses the complex ways in which families and loved ones are implicated in the security and protection of defenders at risk.

Available in English عربى , Español, Bahasa Indonesia , Kiswahili

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 3 | AUGUST 2017

Strengthening Security Training for Defenders at Risk

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The most valuable kinds of security training support defenders in: increasing rights awareness; conducting context analysis, stakeholder analysis, and risk assessment; developing security management practices; sharing experiences; building networks of support; reflecting on everyday practices related to security; and adopting a multidimensional understanding of security that includes mental and emotional wellbeing.

Available in English, عربى , Español, Bahasa Indonesia , Kiswahili

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 2 | MARCH 2017

Indonesia: Develop Formal Mechanisms to Protect Human Rights Defenders at Risk

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Everyone has the right to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Those threatened and attacked for doing so must be protected by the state through mechanisms (laws, policies, and practices) that recognize the diversity of the risks they face and respond to their needs wherever they are in Indonesia.

Available in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUB POLICY BRIEF 1 | JANUARY 2017

Wellbeing, Risk and Human Rights Practice

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Human rights defenders at risk often find it difficult to talk about their mental and emotional wellbeing, even when they are concerned about it. Cultures of human rights practice tend to emphasise self-sacrifice, heroism, and martyrdom. These norms inhibit defenders from expressing their anxieties and seeking help.

Available in English, عربى , Español, Bahasa Indonesia , Kiswahili