The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders discusses the use of EU visas as a protective measure for human rights defenders (HRDs), individuals working to promote and protect human rights worldwide. The paper outlines scenarios where HRDs could benefit from easier access to EU visas. These situations include immediate risks, anticipated risks, addressing burnout and mental health, and enhancing mobility for advocacy and capacity building. The paper highlights the current discord between the EU’s human rights policies and its visa policies and provides recommendations for short and long-term actions to better support HRDs, including updating the EU Visa Code Handbook, developing specific schemes, and initiating the process of amending the EU Visa Code. The paper emphasizes the need for flexibility in visa procedures to address the unique challenges faced by HRDs. Read more here.
Source: UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders