ProtectDefenders.eu is an organization that provides aid to activists from the European Union (EU) affiliated with projects around the world dedicated to helping populations facing displacement, genocide, and suppression of freedoms, a class of activists it collectively refers to as “human rights defenders.” ¹  It is led by a coalition of 12 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). ²

The goal of ProtectDefenders.eu is to support defenders of human rights throughout the world by monitoring conflict zones, temporarily relocating specific activities, and providing financial support. ³ The organization is funded by the EU. ⁴

ProtectDefenders provides direct advisory services to the Canadian government on its refugee resettlement operations. ⁵

Background

ProtectDefenders.eu is led by a consortium of 12 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Front Line Defenders, Reporters Without Borders, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), ESCR-Net, ILGA World, the Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism (UAF), Protection International, Peace Brigades International, the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation Of Support To Human Rights Defenders (EMHRF), the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), and DefendDefenders – East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project. ⁶

Activities

The goal of ProtectDefenders.eu is to support and aid activists from the the European Union (EU) affiliated with projects around the world dedicated to helping populations facing displacement, genocide, and suppression of freedoms, a class of activists it collectively refers to as “human rights defenders.”  ^{7 8}

The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, describes human rights defenders as “courageous individual defending universal rights” who are protecting populations “at risk” of “intensifying crackdowns on fundamental rights and freedoms” worldwide. ⁹

ProtectDefenders operates a rapid response division to bring emergency assistance to activists in need, whether in the form of temporary relocation, financial support, or accompaniment depending on the threat level. The organization also conducts training and capacity-building programs to improve the operations of defenders. ¹⁰

ProtectDefenders coordinates between defenders and the EU, providing direct access to some of the most powerful political offices on earth. It also engages in political advocacy to convince politicians in the West and around the world to provide more support to the defenders. ¹¹

One of the major projects undertaken by ProtectDefenders is the “Canada Resettlement Stream,” a program to resettle refugees in Canada. It describes the program as part of the Canadian government’s broader commitment “to welcome vulnerable Afghan refugees — including women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious or ethnic minorities, LGBTI individuals, and journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists.” ProtectDefenders provides direct advisory services to the Canadian government on its refugee resettlement operations. ¹²

Leadership

The formal board of ProtectDefenders.eu is comprised of the leaders of several organizations: Front Line Defenders, Reporters Without Borders, the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). The board chair is given to one of the four group representatives every six months. ¹³

ProtectDefenders.eu is also governed by a secretariat which facilitates the implementation of the consortium’s decrees. As of 2024, Isabelle Boittin was the head of the secretariat. ¹⁴

1. “Human rights: EU increases support to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide.” Europa.eu, September 29, 2022. Accessed August 10, 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5808.
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4. “ProtectDefenders.eu – You have the right to defend rights.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/.
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6. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
7. “Human rights: EU increases support to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide.” Europa.eu, September 29, 2022. Accessed August 10, 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5808.
8. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
9. “Human rights: EU increases support to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide.” Europa.eu, September 29, 2022. Accessed August 10, 2024. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5808.
10. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
11. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
12. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
13. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.
14. “About Us.” ProtectDefenders.eu. Accessed July 19, 2024. https://protectdefenders.eu/about-us/.