ProtectDefenders.eu, the EU Human Rights Defenders mechanism is proud to release the Updated Financial Analysis: The Landscape of Public International Funding for Human Rights Defenders (2021–2023), building on our previous landmark study covering 2017–2020. This new report provides the most recent comprehensive assessment of public donor funding for human rights defenders (HRDs), highlighting trends, gaps, and a forward-looking outlook for the coming years.
Between 2021 and 2023, public donors contributed a total of USD 612 million to HRDs, representing a positive increase in absolute terms compared to the previous period. Yet paradoxically, funding as a share of total Official Development Assistance (ODA) fell to just 0.10%, underscoring that support for HRDs remains marginal and insufficient to meet growing global needs. If current trends persist, public funding for HRDs would reach only USD 500 million annually by 2040—far below what is required to protect defenders and the communities they serve.
International NGOs continue to receive the majority of support (79–84%), while local NGOs directly receive 16–21%, with roughly half of all funding ultimately reaching local actors.
Unspecified or global funding remains the predominant modality, limiting the targeting of critical regions and local groups.
Regional disparities: Support for the MENA region has declined steadily since 2017, and for Asia since 2019, despite the escalating risks for HRDs in these areas.
While 56% of ODA was not linked to specific issues, the remainder prioritized women’s rights, freedom of expression and association, environmental, land and indigenous rights, and LGBTIQ+ rights.
Protection investment: HRD protection has become a major area of donor investment, accounting for one-third of funding, with 30% dedicated to temporary relocation programs. Other growing areas include organisational strengthening and promoting improved state protection. Support for victims of human rights violations remains the lowest funded area.
The shrinking space for human rights work has intensified threats against defenders, jeopardizing their ability to protect victims, speak out, organize, and advance human rights. Political commitments must be matched with adequate funding to safeguard HRDs and strengthen long-term stability.
We invite policymakers, donors, international and local NGOs, and all stakeholders committed to human rights to consult the full report and our financial update, and to use its insights to guide strategic and sustainable support for HRDs worldwide.
