How does it work?
Those at high risk of kidnapping wear the Natalia Project alarm. In the case of an attack, they activate the alarm and a distress signal goes off.
Who do we protect?
Since the launch of the Natalia Project in 2013, the network has grown to include more than 200 human rights defenders from all over the world.
Join and extend our protection system
Follow us on social media to join the system and donate to help us get more human rights defenders equipped with the alarm.
Get Involved
Angela Maldonado fights for the Amazon
The environmental rights activist and Natalia Project participant Angela Maldonado is the head of the environmental organisation Entropika located in the Colombian town of Letícia by the Amazon River.
Colombia is one of the deadliest countries in the world for activists, and Angela herself has received several death threats due to her activism. In the case of an attack, the alarm is activated, and a distress signal goes off.
“Sometimes, I don’t even have a mobile connection. You are in the middle of the forest or you are in the middle of the river and if something happens, you cannot communicate with anyone.”
Read more about AngelaGénesis Dávila demands accountability from those in power
Human rights defender and Natalia Project participant Génesis Dávila is the director and founder of Defiende Venezuela. She fights for accountability and justice for victims of political persecution, people in arbitrary detention, and others who have been subjected to government-sanctioned attacks in Venezuela.
Since 2019, Génesis is part of the Natalia Project. In case of an attack, the alarm is activated and a distress signal goes off.
“For me, my Natalia has been a game changer. It helped me feel safe. Just having this tiny device with me, knowing that there was someone on the other side of the world just waiting for my call, and being ready to act if something happens gave me such confidence. That changed everything.”
Read more about Génesis
Frequently asked questions about Natalia Project
Can the Natalia Project alarm device be traced?
The alarm device operates over GSM networks, and therefore, it’s possible to extract some information. However, this is also the case with a regular mobile phone, something that most of us carry with us all the time. If hiding positions and movements is a concern of human rights defenders, Civil Rights Defenders will help develop special tactics and procedures.
Can the alarm device be activated by accident?
It can. However, Civil Rights Defenders has a detailed protocol on how to verify an alarm and, together with local colleagues that also receive the alarm signal, we determine if the alarm was genuine or false.
How do you decide who is equipped with a Natalia Project alarm device?
Generally, a partner of Civil Rights Defenders who faces acute security risk with no mitigating circumstances can be included in the Natalia Project. The person needs to be proactive and prepared to work to strengthen their internal security routines. The person must attend a thorough introduction and training by Civil Rights Defenders. The person should also be responsive to regular communication and interactions with Civil Rights Defenders. Potential applicants or organisations should contact their contact person at Civil Rights Defenders. In exceptional circumstances, human rights defenders who are not a partner of Civil Rights Defenders can be included in the Natalia Project. This is based on the recommendation from a Civil Rights Defenders partner.
I would like to donate enough to support one alarm device. How much does that cost?
A: The cost of one alarm device is hard to isolate, given that the Natalia Project is about more than just the alarm device. We are happy for all donations – the more funding we get, the more people the project can protect. Please donate here.
How can I help?
You can play a very important role in supporting the project and protecting human rights defenders even if you do not have the possibility to support us financially. Please follow the social media channels of Civil Rights Defenders and get updates about the Natalia Project. When an alarm is triggered and the news is shared on our social media platforms, please share them widely.
In honour of Natalia Estemirova
The Natalia Project was named in honour of Natalia Estemirova. Natalia was one of the leading human rights defenders in the North Caucasus.
Press and media
Are you a journalist and want to book an interview with one of our experts on the human rights situation or interview some of the world’s bravest people?
For more information and inquiries, please contact us here:
+46 (0)76 576 27 62 / press@crd.org