As the EU’s flagship mechanism for supporting human rights defenders worldwide, ProtectDefenders.eu plays a vital role in responding to urgent threats and long-term needs of defenders in increasingly hostile contexts.
Now in its third phase (2022–2026), and implemented by a consortium of 12 international NGOs, the mechanism is undergoing a mid-term evaluation to assess its relevance, effectiveness, and impact. The evaluation will explore how well ProtectDefenders.eu is meeting the evolving needs of at-risk defenders, especially in the face of shrinking civic space, funding cuts, and rising repression.
Key areas of focus include:
- Responsiveness and adaptability in crisis situations
- Impact on HRDs’ safety, activism, and resilience
- Inclusion of the most at-risk groups (e.g. WHRDs, LGBTI+ defenders, environmental defenders)
- Long-term sustainability and contribution to protection ecosystems
- Coordination with EU institutions and added value within the broader human rights landscape
📄 Are you interested in conducting this evaluation?
We invite qualified consultants and teams to read the full Terms of Reference and submit their proposals.
