Effective strategies to safeguard human rights defenders during crises
effective strategies to safeguard human rights defenders during crises
In partnership with national human rights coalitions across Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Niger, ISHR has released a comprehensive guide outlining best practices to protect human rights defenders and sustain their vital work amid crises.
The enforcement of restrictive measures and policies to curb the spread of COVID-19 has reshaped the way human rights defenders operate. Beyond their existing challenges, the pandemic response adopted by multiple African governments has further narrowed the already limited civic and democratic space in the region. In such circumstances, ensuring defenders retain unhindered access to their advocacy and professional duties is paramount during crises.
This study examines the repercussions of COVID-19 restrictions on the rights and freedoms of human rights defenders in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Sierra Leone. It highlights the adaptive strategies civil society organizations have employed to continue their vital work despite coercive measures, as well as the positive contributions from governments and other stakeholders that facilitate their efforts. Additionally, the publication offers a set of actionable recommendations to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders and preserve civic space during turbulent periods.
Serving as a powerful advocacy tool, this research targets national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms to combat the misuse of coercive measures in times of crisis and ensure the continuous safeguarding of human rights defenders worldwide.