The workshop presenters focused in their presentations on their own experiences working as human rights defenders, as well as on the overall human rights situations in their countries, and they described their governments’ strategies to curb freedoms of speech, participation, and information. The ensuing discussion also focused on the common threat of torture and persecution.

 

The discussion highlighted the efforts of civil society organizations (CSOs) to address the safety and protection of human rights defenders, in addition to disseminating information and promoting solidarity networks around the world. CSOs provide resources to individuals, including relocation to a different country, especially if a defender’s life is at risk; training in the security of defenders; the organization of conferences and fora in which activists can discuss their challenges and achievements; and facilitation in the use of the Internet and audio-visual media for communication and information sharing to build relationships of solidarity. To some extent, such initiatives have been successful. In Poland, for instance, CSOs train journalists and students in documenting and reporting on human rights violations using community radio.

 

By reporting on their own situations and human rights violations, activistshave indirectly supported human rights defenders in neighboring countries. There are also organizations that promote the use of conferences and Web sites to share information. Witness, a nongovernmental organization based in Europe, provides equipment, training, and video hubs. These are opportunities we could tap, among others, to ensure that defender issues are discussed in the global arena.

 

In countries run by dictatorial and military regimes, human rights defenders are always at high risk of being tortured and persecuted. In the case of Somalia and Azerbaijan, where the media is controlled by the government, many human rights defenders are tracked down, carefully monitored, and, in some cases, executed. In these circumstances, the media serves as an instrument of propaganda by the government.

 

How human rights defenders in Belarus have dealt with media restrictions provides a compelling example of the need for solidarity. Solidarity can also work well in Asia and Africa, since there are some common languages in these regions. Ultimately, there is a need to invest more resources into building solidarity, especially since human rights defenders are critical for the wider fight for justice and democracy.

 

All the presenters shared similar stories of governmental suppression mechanisms and the challenges faced by defenders. They also therefore called on CSOs to work together and to develop networks to address those challenges. In particular, they noted that young, emerging activists should be supported.

 

Participants in the workshop agreed that human rights defenders can benefit from innovative ways of communicating with each other about the lessons they've learned about how best to protect themselves. Specifically, they can learn from the innovative strategies of youth and from professionals in public relations and communications. Moreover, youth activists, journalists, and human rights practitioners can all benefit by sharing their expertise with each other.

 

 

The challenges facing human rights defenders are diverse and vary according to local contexts. In the discussion, these challenges were viewed within the framework of access to media, working in armed conflicts, and political oppression. Some of the challenges that human rights defenders face include: