Protecting the Defenders through enhanced international collaboration

In a broad-based collaboration across regional and international human rights organizations, a Consortium of organizations dedicated to coordinating support for the security and protection of human rights defenders under threat was launched in Brussels on December 2. The Consortium, called “Protect the Defenders,” is comprised of 12 organizations that work collectively to implement the EU Mechanism for Human Right Defenders.

In addition to being a partner in the Consortium, ESCR-Net is involved via the leadership and active participation several of its organizational members that specialize in supporting human rights defenders on the front lines that confront threats or reprisals in response to their human rights work. Partners include ESCR-Net members Frontline Defenders (which leads the Consortium), FIDH, OMCT and Forum-ASIA. Other partners in the Consortium include East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP), Euro-Mediterranean Foundation of Support to Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF), International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Peace Brigades International, Protection International, Reporters without Borders and the Urgent Action Fund for Women.In the coming years, ESCR-Net looks forward to continuing to coordinate rapid responses to members and allies under threat, via advocacy actions, capacity building and connecting human rights defenders to needed material and non-material support.

More information is available at the dedicated website for the Consortium.