Protection and Security
Management

We ensure physical and mental security support for human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.

DefendDefenders supports at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs) through short and long-term security interventions, and equip HRDs with crucial tools to mitigate their risks of persecution and to ensure their well-being.

Preventive security strategies

Prevention strategies are vital to mitigate risk. We offer preventive protection strategies for HRDs to enable them to risk, and we conduct risk-assessments and analysis of the security situation for HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa.

Short-term security intervention

Short-term security intervention is necessary when HRDs are under direct threats. DefendDefenders manages a 24/7 emergency line for HRDs in the sub-region, and support can include relocation to a safe house, and logistical and financial support. The support is identified on a case-by-case basis.

Building capacity

Capacity building is important to safeguard HRDs’ safety and protection. DefendDefenders offers comprehensive, in-depth security and protection capacity building, including trainings, mentoring, and security advice. 

Long-term security intervention

Long-term support strategies are essential to ensure that the HRDs are equipped to deal with the threats facing them. In addition to capacity building, the long-term security strategies can include offering HRDs education, financial start-up grant, support to find a job, as well as strategic advocacy,

Resource Center

Protection grants

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