The European Civic Forum, Civil Society Europe, and Liberties released two papers for establishing a protection mechanism for human rights defenders (HRDs) and CSOs in Europe. The Mapping Paper provides an overview of the existing protection landscape, identifying gaps and challenges faced by HRDs and CSOs, while the Pathways Paper proposes strategies to enhance this ecosystem. With the newly appointed EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law tasked with strengthening protections for civil society, the papers highlight the alarming rise in attacks against HRDs, including smear campaigns and lawsuits. They call for a cohesive framework that includes a protection hub and rapid response mechanisms to support HRDs under threat. A concerted effort is needed to create an effective support system, ensuring HRDs can seek assistance amid increasing risks in their work. Read more here.
Source: European Civic Forum, Liberties