Emergency Fund support for human rights defenders – 2024 in numbers

Defending human rights is a dangerous job in many parts of the world. When a human rights defender is confronted with a threatening situation, Civil Rights Defenders’ Emergency Fund provides rapid support to strengthen their security as quickly as possible. Receiving immediate support when threatened is crucial for human rights defenders’ ability to continue their work. In 2024, the Emergency Fund provided support to 1,459 human rights defenders and members of their families in 34 countries. This means an 8% increase compared to 2023, despite reduced funding.

Rising demand, shrinking resources

Being a human rights defender has always been a dangerous job, and it has only gotten more dangerous in recent years. From persecution and harassment to arbitrary arrests and disappearances, defenders on the frontlines face daily threats to their lives and safety. Over the past year, global challenges, including democratic backsliding, political unrest, and armed conflict, have continued to grow. These developments have further endangered human rights defenders and increased the need for emergency assistance. Despite significant funding cuts, the Emergency Fund was able to reach even more individuals than the previous year. This was made possible by our flexible and agile approach, allowing us to adapt quickly to evolving situations and crises.

While we supported more human rights defenders overall, the demand for emergency support has grown at an even faster pace. In many cases, we were forced to make difficult decisions about which urgent situations to prioritise.

“Rapid support after a threat can mean the difference between a human rights defender continuing their work or being forced to stop. By responding quickly, we help ensure they have the security and resources needed to keep protecting human rights and advancing democracy.”

– Zinaida Muradova, Head of Rapid Response at Civil Rights Defenders during 2024

A lifeline in the face of danger

In 2024, the largest share of support was dedicated to temporary relocation (42%), helping defenders escape direct danger and continue their work in safer environments. Other key areas of support included combined interventions (19%), security improvements (17%), humanitarian interventions (9%), and psychosocial support (6%).

Responding to crises worldwide

Geographically, we supported defenders across six regions. While some regions saw a decline in beneficiaries compared to 2023, others, such as Eurasia and the Middle East and North Africa, saw a 143.5% increase, driven by emerging crises and growing needs.

Across Asia, human rights defenders faced intensified repression and digital surveillance. In Africa, there were escalating attacks on civil and political rights. Eurasia saw severe crackdowns on independent voices. In Europe, human rights defenders working on press freedom and LGBTI+ rights experienced growing repression. Latin America remained one of the most dangerous regions for human rights defenders, with state repression and violence against social leaders. In the Middle East and North Africa, they faced growing repression, digital surveillance, and legal threats, with women and LGBTI+ activists being especially vulnerable.

Who We Help

The Emergency Fund supports any human rights defender at risk because of the work they do, regardless of where they are or which rights they defend. From LGBTI+ rights advocates to those fighting for freedom of expression, we stand behind them all.

A human rights defender can apply individually or as a human rights organisation. We also acknowledge the differentiated threats and violence that human rights defenders face based on their gender and the intersection of different aspects of their identities, and we work to make the funds accessible and inclusive for the most vulnerable groups.

How We Support

When a human rights defender or organisation is threatened due to their work, we can provide different types of tailored support to ensure that the human rights defender can continue their fight for human rights. This may include building up an organisation’s capacity through trainings and consultations, or providing organisations or individuals with security measures and improvements. It may also be providing psychological support to those who have been attacked or legal aid to help human rights defenders facing arrest or other legal harassment. If necessary, we can help a human rights defender temporarily relocate. We can even provide humanitarian support to the families of imprisoned human rights defenders. Often, we provide multiple forms of assistance as part of a combined intervention. At the core of our approach, we aim to build the resilience of human rights defenders, supporting their psychological well-being, improving their security, and reigniting the spirit of activism.

The Emergency Fund’s global mandate enables us to respond quickly across regions and to address both urgent needs, longer-term threats, and the impact of global geopolitical shifts. Whether it’s helping defenders relocate, rebuild, or reinforce their security, the goal remains the same: ensuring they feel safe enough to continue their important work.

Help Us Support Human Rights Defenders

While we are proud to have helped nearly 1,500 individuals in 2024, the growing number of urgent requests underscores the continued need for robust and sustainable support. With more flexible funding, we can reach even more defenders, faster, and help ensure that the defence of human rights continues, even in the most challenging of circumstances.