Protection and Strengthening of Human Rights Defenders
Street art in Getsemani, Cartagena, Colombia, the deadliest country for human rights defenders in 2024. According to Front Line Defenders, 157 defenders were killed there last year.
Human rights defenders play a crucial role in documenting violations and abuses, promoting rights, and strengthening democratic development. Norad has developed a strategic portfolio to protect and strengthen these actors.
Human rights and democracy are under attack from multiple fronts. War and conflict contribute to violations and abuses of both human rights and humanitarian law. At the local level and online, many communities are characterised by violent rhetoric, discrimination, and hate speech. For the first time in 20 years, there are now fewer democracies than autocracies globally.
Human rights defenders are individuals or groups who work non-violently to promote and protect human rights. They advocate for others, often speaking on behalf of those who are marginalised or vulnerable. Human rights defenders are defined by their actions, not who they are. Every year, thousands of HRDs face attacks and resistance from state actors, armed groups, and private companies.
There is a need for systematic effort at multiple levels, from international and regional normative work to national and local initiatives, to protect human rights defenders and strengthen their work. The following three areas have been identified as particularly important:
- Ensured protection and emergency support focusing on ensuring immediate and practical protection for HRDs at risk, as well as their families and communities.
- Strengthened systems and institutions focusing on building and improving the structural and institutional frameworks that provide long-term protection for HRDs.
- Increased mobilisation, visibility and advocacy focusing on building communities, creating alliances, and raising awareness of the situation of HRDs both nationally and internationally.