Lack of respect for human rights is pervasive across the entire region of Eurasia. Regime critics and dissidents are imprisoned on political grounds. Freedom of expression is heavily restricted. Repressive laws are adopted on a regular basis, making it increasingly difficult for human rights defenders to carry out their work. The situation in Ukraine is particularly difficult because of the war.
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The invasion of Ukraine – the situation is acute
Human rights defenders need all the support they can get. Independent voices are especially significant in times of war. Since the invasion, we have supported human rights defenders and independent journalists on the ground so that they can continue their important work.
Through our Emergency Fund, we provide rapid assistance to human rights defenders in danger. For example, physical and digital security solutions, temporary relocations to safe places, or help to leave the country when threats become too serious. Among other things, we have:
💛Helped over 350 journalists with emergency support, including providing first aid kits and flak jackets.
💙Helped with insurance, medical equipment, and satellite internet so activists could continue their work.
💛Provided psycho-social support to journalists reporting from the frontline.
💙Helped human rights defenders with urgent evacuations and temporary relocations to safe places.
💙Worked with organisations that document war crimes.
Read moreSupport brave human rights defenders
Defending civil and political rights in the region for over 40 years
Civil Rights Defenders has worked with human rights defenders in the region for over 40 years. Among other things, we support journalists so that they can continue their important work on the ground in Ukraine, as well as LGBTI+ organisations and organisations that work for women’s rights in Georgia.
Read moreWomen journalists in Georgia
In Georgia, we support organisations working on democracy reforms, LGBTI+ rights, and women’s rights, as well as independent media. Among other things, we work together with our partner organisation Radio Mozaik to educate women in grassroot journalism. Civil Rights Defenders also has an office in Tbilisi.
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Human rights in times of war
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the human rights situation has massively deteriorated in both countries. Since the beginning of the war, Civil Rights Defenders has supported human rights defenders and independent journalists on the ground in Ukraine so that they can continue their important work.
Read morePress and media
Are you a journalist and want to book an interview with one of our experts on the human rights situation in Eurasia or interview some of the world’s bravest people from the region?
For more information and inquiries, please contact us here:
+46 (0)76 576 27 62 / press@crd.org