In a year marked by crackdowns, conflict, and an increasingly hostile environment for civil society, ProtectDefenders.eu — the EU HRD mechanism, has supported over 10,500 human rights defenders across more than 100 countries. Our newly released 2023–2024 Annual Report reflects the urgency of the moment and the strength of the collective response we’ve mobilised.
From emergency relocations and legal aid to digital security support, medical assistance, and long-term accompaniment, ProtectDefenders.eu continues to stand alongside human rights defenders facing some of the most severe and targeted forms of repression worldwide. In 2023–2024, over 1,000 emergency grants enabled them to respond swiftly to urgent threats, dozens secured temporary relocation for themselves and their families to continue their activism safely, and hundreds enhanced their skills through capacity-building initiatives such as psychosocial care, risk management, and advocacy training.
At the heart of this work are defenders themselves—women, LGBTQIA+ activists, journalists, environmental defenders, lawyers, and community leaders—who continue their struggle for rights and justice, often under immense pressure and at great personal risk. Our role is to help create the conditions that allow them to keep going, on their terms, with the resources and protection they need to stay safe and effective.
A new step in protection: visa access for HRDs
One of this year’s most meaningful advancements is the revision of the EU Visa Code Handbook, to which ProtectDefenders.eu and its partners contributed through sustained advocacy and expert input. The updated guidelines are expected to facilitate safer and more accessible visa procedures for human rights defenders, particularly those facing urgent threats. Among the recommended measures are fast-track processing, the possibility to apply from third countries, and the waiving of fees in specific cases. This development represents a concrete step toward reinforcing safe mobility pathways for defenders at risk, enabling them to access protection when it is most needed.
Standing in solidarity at the European Parliament
To mark 20 years of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, we proudly co-hosted a high-level spotlight event at the European Parliament in Brussels, together with OHCHR and the DROI Subcommittee. The event brought together defenders, policymakers, and institutions to confront today’s growing threats—and to reaffirm the EU’s responsibility to act.
The reality on the ground
However only 20% of eligible support requests could be fully funded. The needs are growing—especially among women HRDs, LGBTQIA+ defenders, environmental activists, and those targeted by authoritarian regimes or transnational repression. The space to defend rights is shrinking. But together, we’re pushing back.
A call to do more
Now is not the time to step back. Now is the time to reinforce protection, scale up resources, and keep defenders at the centre of EU action. As you read this report, we invite you to reflect on the impact made—and the work still ahead.
Read the full 2023–2024 Annual Report and help us spread the word!
For media inquiries, please contact:
Maria Chiara Basili
ProtectDefenders.eu’s Communication Officer
mcbasili@protectdefenders.eu
