Civil society activists, and particularly human rights defenders, are increasingly at risk across the globe, and in the countries of the Eastern Partnership those risks have acutely grown in recent months. CSOs and activists who previously contributed to their communities without fear of reprisals are now having to navigate in a much more threatening environment. As such, it is even more important than ever for rights defenders and other activists to take measures to safeguard themselves and those around them. There is an infrastructure to help CSOs and individual activists mitigate the risks and measures available to support protection, and now an opportunity for those in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to have an introduction.
Join our two-part webinar to learn about the basics of managing the security and protection of rights defenders and activists, to find out what resources are available to improve safeguarding and support protection, and to explore how you can contribute to a ‘protection infrastructure’.
Webinar 1:
An Introduction to Security Management and Resources To Assist Safeguarding and Protection
25th September 2024 / 13:00-14:00 (CET)
Webinar 2:
Building a Protection Infrastructure and Tools for Monitoring Safeguarding
26th September 2024 / 13:00-14:00 (CET)
These webinars are produced and delivered in cooperation with international organisations which have a long and successful track record in protecting rights defenders and supporting the safeguarding of activists. These include:
Protection International is a non-profit organization committed to supporting human rights defenders (HRDs) and advocating for the Right to defend human rights. It provides capacity-building, advocacy, and practical tools to empower HRDs, helping them operate safely in challenging environments. Protection International works across various countries to strengthen local and global protection mechanisms, ensuring that HRDs can continue their work of promoting human rights and social justice without fear of retaliation.
Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) establishes and supports Human Rights Houses – coalitions of local independent civil society organisations working to advance human rights at home and abroad. Today 80 CSOs are united in the Network of Human Rights Houses, active across Eastern and Western Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus. Together, we advocate for freedoms that underpin a strong and independent civil society and protect and empower human rights defenders.
Key speakers in the webinars will be experienced practitioners and experts including:
Kety Abashidze
Kety is a Senior Human Rights Officer at Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF). She works on civil society development and support to human rights defenders in the South Caucasus. She monitors fundamental freedoms-related developments in wider Eastern Europe and provides advice and input on human rights law and policy towards HRHF’s advocacy
Sylvain Lefebvre
Sylvain has been working for Protection International for the past 11 years. He delivers trainings and workshops on security and protection for HRDs. He also support CSOs in developing protection plans and policies and improving their security management practices.
Esset Samatova,
Esset is a Protection Officer in Eurasia from Protection International. She is a specialist with over 10 years of experience of work in international NGOs. She has worked extensively with human rights defenders (HRDs) providing capacity building sessions for HRDs (mainly well being and stress management sessions)
