Awareness raising

People’s Advocate of Albania

The law no. 91/2019 concerning audio-visual media banned media and journalists from physically attending meetings of Albania’s Parliamentary Committee. Following requests from journalists, the People’s Advocate of Albania monitored discussions between parliamentary representatives and journalists concerning the changes in the latter group’s participation. The NHRI also followed recommendations from other interest groups and international partners. The new proposal to amend the law was compared to other European regulations, and minor changes were made in relation to the use of mobile phones and video recording.

Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

The Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (FIRM-IFDH) is legally mandated to provide support to whistleblowers, including legal assistance, either directly or via attorneys, and it also provides training on whistleblower protection. It published a guide for whistleblowers in December 2024, together with the Federal Ombudsman. The guide is aimed at people who report abuse or fraud in the workplace or who intend to do so. It informs whistleblowers of their rights, directs them to the appropriate contact point and support organisations (including FIRM-IFDH and the Ombudsman) and encourages them to speak out.

To raise awareness about the support available for whistleblowers, FIRM-IFDH launched a campaign in 2024-2025 on social media and through other online channels. As part of this campaign, it produced a short video explaining what a whistleblower is and what kind of support they can expect from FIRM-IFDH. The video was shared on social media and other online platforms. In addition, it distributed brochures and posters through employers, trade unions, social secretariats, and other stakeholders. For this dissemination, it collaborated with the Federal Ombudsman, who receives whistleblower reports and ensures their protection. The campaign was available in French and Dutch.

Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

In 2023, the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (FIRM-IFDH) was appointed by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice as a focal point in the fight against SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), following a recommendation from the European Commission. As the anti-SLAPP focal point, FIRM-IFDH will:

• Collect and share information regarding remedies against SLAPPs and support for those who are confronted with SLAPPs;
• Run awareness raising campaigns;
• Promote capacity building of the target groups (journalists, academics, lawyers, etc.) through training and awareness raising activities;
• Develop synergies between the relevant instruments in the field of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.

FIRM-IFDH is currently developing its new mandate. It collects and disseminates information about SLAPPs and participates in the Belgian Anti-SLAPP Working Group as an observer. It monitors developments in the field to enable it to advise the federal government and federal parliament on the transposition of the European Union Directive into Belgian law.

In 2025, at the request of the Justice Committee of the House of Representatives, FIRM-IFDH issued advice on a draft bill aimed at protecting critical voices against abusive legal proceedings.

Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

In 2022-2023, the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (FIRM-IFDH) conducted a research report on the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) in Belgium. Most of the consulted human rights organisations had recently faced pressure and intimidation. Many indicated that the situation as a whole had deteriorated over the two-year reporting period, with a strong gendered component. The report’s conclusions highlighted that stronger protection of civic space and HRDs is required.

A number of concrete proposals were included in the report, grounded in various regional and international guidelines on the protection of HRDs. The main findings of this report were presented to and discussed with most major political actors in several meetings throughout 2024. They were subsequently included in the main priorities of political parties ahead of the June 2024 elections. The final report was published in 2024.

In 2023, the Institute also carried out a public awareness campaign to draw attention to the importance of the work of HRDs in Belgium. For nearly a month, several thousand support posters were displayed across five major cities in Belgium. On 5 December 2023, FIRM-IFDH organised a support action in central Brussels, together with human rights defenders, aimed both at raising public awareness and at presenting the first results of its research. The action generated significant interest in the written press and on the radio. The campaign was conducted in French and Dutch.

Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

The Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (FIRM-IFDH) devoted its 2024 Annual Report to the right to protest. The report draws attention to the growing pressure on this fundamental right. Through concrete findings, it analyses the cumulative effect of different types of measures taken before, during, and after protests: preventive restrictions (such as individual protest bans), potentially disproportionate surveillance and policing measures, and administrative or criminal sanctions. As the national human rights institution, FIRM-IFDH highlights the risks these trends pose to freedom of expression, civic participation, and, more broadly, the space for public debate.

Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

In its report to the UN Committee against Torture, the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights criticised the use of the concepts of “radicalism” and “radicalisation” by Belgian authorities to preventatively manage the threat of terrorism. It highlighted the increasing tendency to use vague and ill-defined concepts to justify a variety of actions. These include bans on working in certain sensitive areas, refusal to grant Belgian nationality, the closure of establishments by local authorities, refusing to issue a Belgian passport or travel document, revoking residence permits, and expelling foreigners from Belgian territory.

Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria

During mass anti-government protests in 2020, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria received several complaints from individuals and civil society concerning violations of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and the right to legal aid. Protesters were detained by police in Sofia on 10 July and 2 September 2020 in reportedly overcrowded premises and with no access to lawyers. The media published images of violence and presumably excessive use of force against protesters and reporters by law enforcement. The Ombudsman issued a public statement emphasising the need to ensure that any use of physical force and auxiliary means by law enforcement is proportionate and in line with national law and international and regional standards.

Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia

The 2024 report of the Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia contained a dedicated chapter on the situation of HRDs in the country. It highlighted persistent challenges, including inadequate responses to the Ombudswoman’s recommendations, delays in information sharing by state bodies, and the need for systemic, long-term support for civil society organisations.

The Ombudswoman also reported an increase in attacks on environmental activists, who were subject to systemic repression. This is reflected in the denial of financial resources and limited participation in the development of policies and plans, as well as in decision-making on specific projects. Targeted repression also takes the form of SLAPP lawsuits; the use of inspection supervision as a means of pressure and repression; and threats, stigmatisation and symbolic violence. Restricting access to natural areas for the purpose of documenting the state of the environment has also been reported.

Danish Institute for Human Rights

The Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) awards the Danish Human Rights Prize (Menneskerettighedsprisen) yearly. In February 2024, the prize was awarded to Ms. Naja Lyberth and the so-called Spiral Case Working Group.

They received the prize for shedding light on the abuse of thousands of Greenlandic women and girls who have had their human rights violated by the Danish state by having a spiral (IUD) inserted without their consent. In the podcast The Spiral Campaign, made by the Danish news media DR, it was reported that from 1966 to the 1970s, 4,500 spirals were placed on almost half of the 9,000 fertile girls and women in Greenland. The Spiral Campaign was carried out as part of the Danish authorities’ strategy to reduce population growth in Greenland.

In December 2024, the prize was awarded to the organisation Repatriate the Children for rescuing Danish children and their mothers from prison camps in Syria after the Danish government had refused to evacuate them. Behind Repatriate the Children are journalist Natascha Rée Mikkelsen and lawyer Knud Foldschack, who founded the organisation in September 2020 after visiting the Syrian prison camps, al-Hol and Roj. On 29 August, the Danish Supreme Court ruled that the Danish government was obligated to offer assistance to evacuate the last Danish child with her mother from Roj camp in Syria.

Danish Institute for Human Rights

In June 2024, the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) published a report on the right to freedom of speech and expression and self-censorship (Ytingsfrihed og selvcensur). The report shows that one in 10 Danes (10 %) have refrained from participating in public debate in the physical public space through demonstrations, public meetings, etc. in the past year because of fear of negative reactions. Fear of violence and threats is the reason for self-censorship for one in three (31 %) of those who have refrained from participating in public debate in a physical space in the past year.

Danish Institute for Human Rights

The Human Rights Annual Award is granted by the Danish Institute for Human Rights’ Council to an exceptional person or organisation that has promoted and protected human rights in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands. Candidates are nominated through a public consultation and by the media, with the NHRI acting as the secretariat for the Council jury.

ENNHRI

Across the EU, civil society organisations (CSOs) and NHRIs have consistently highlighted significant gaps in their protection in the Union. For this reason, through its support to NHRIs, ENNHRI is stepping up its work on protecting human rights defenders (HRDs). ENNHRI supports NHRIs in their work on this through peer learning and dedicated capacity building, while also supporting their monitoring efforts and reporting at regional level.

For example, ENNHRI has provided spaces for peer exchange and learning on HRD protection. This includes through the organisation of a workshop on the protection of environmental defenders in 2023, and a series of meetings in 2024 focused on supporting NHRIs’ role in the protection of HRDs. These identified the key opportunities for NHRIs to strengthen their work in this area, as well as the ways in which ENNHRI can support them in doing so.

In addition, ENNHRI’s NHRI Academy 2025 provided dedicated capacity building for NHRIs on their role in the protection of HRDs.

ENNHRI

For many years, ENNHRI has strongly advocated for the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) at the regional level. First in its 2023 and then its 2025 rule of law report, ENNHRI recommended the European Commission to strengthen the empowerment, promotion and protection of civil society organisations (CSOs) and HRDs; to continue to ensure structural funding for CSOs and HRDs; and to ensure swift support for CSOs and HRDs when facing threats – including through the set-up of a dedicated EU HRD protection mechanism (in consultation and cooperation with NHRIs).

Ahead of the 2025 EU Civil Society Strategy, ENNHRI built on its work on HRDs, compiling practices and information from NHRIs and ENNHRI. It provided the European Commission with input on key areas requiring targeted action. These include:

• Strengthening protection for civil society and HRDs in the EU;
• Empowering their participation and dialogue in the EU; and
• Ensuring adequate and accessible funding for civil society and HRDs in the EU.

The Strategy underscores the role of NHRIs and ENNHRI in monitoring trends on civic space at national and regional level, and acknowledges the relevance of NHRIs within national protection frameworks.

ENNHRI

Peer support among NHRIs can help in addressing challenges faced in a context of shrinking democratic space. ENNHRI, together with regional partners, organises trainings and capacity-building activities for NHRI staff, including topics on HRDs, NHRIs facing threats and communicating human rights. For example, the NHRI Academy 2021, jointly organised by ENNHRI with OSCE/ODIHR, focused on ‘Protecting Human Rights Defenders and co-creating inclusive civil society space’. Moreover, ENNHRI’s 2018 Annual Conference brought together over 100 key human rights stakeholders from across wider Europe to discuss how European NHRIs can better support democratic space and HRDs in the region.

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

Every year, the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) awards the French Republic Human Rights Prize (Prix des droits de l’Homme de la République française « Liberté – Égalité – Fraternité ») to women and men, defenders who act daily in the field for the promotion and effective protection of human rights. The prize’s 37th edition in 2024, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions adopted in 1949, decided to reward projects working on the protection of the rights of civilians in situations of armed conflict. The winners were: Mandela Center International (Cameroon); La Société des droits de l’homme Ezgulik (Uzbekistan); L’Organisation des Citoyens pour une Nouvelle Haïti (Haiti); Ludirlena Pérez Carvajal (Colombia); and Cesar (Syria).

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

The French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) takes specific actions to protect civil society space and human rights defenders (HRDs), including by issuing recommendations and opinions.

On World Human Rights Defenders’ Day in 2023, CNCDH published its “Opinion on Human Rights Defenders”. This underscored the need for a robust protection framework and the development of a national action plan for HRDs. It also praised HRDs’ essential role in ensuring the effectiveness of human rights.

In September 2025, CNCDH issued a dedicated opinion on civic space. This highlighted ongoing threats to freedom of assembly, rising surveillance of protesters, the stigmatisation of activism, and insufficient consultation with CSOs.

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

In February 2025, the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH) adopted a comprehensive opinion titled “Combatting Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs)” (“Lutter contre les procédures bâillons”). This recommended that a broad and protective definition of SLAPPs be included in French law, covering all national cases and including civil and criminal proceedings. It also identified (further) ways to combat SLAPPs from both public and private actors.

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

The French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH), in partnership with the French government, local authorities, NGOs and other key human rights actors, supports the Marianne Initiative. Each year, the Initiative awards a group of around 15 human rights defenders (HRDs) who have distinguished themselves by their fight for fundamental rights in their country of origin. The laureates are selected by a committee of independent experts. The Initiative consists of a six-month programme of support and training, including individual and collective activities that allow HRDs to share their experiences, strengthen their capacity, increase the visibility of their struggles, and develop new projects. The personalised programme brings participants into contact with the main actors involved in the human rights field. This includes the state, elected officials, local authorities, NGOs, independent judicial and administrative authorities, and representatives of international organisations. It also supports the development of their activist project. Through these different activities, the programme aims to strengthen the effectiveness of their work.

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

The French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights has addressed issues related to human rights defenders and civil society in many of its opinions and declarations. In its September 2021 statement on the situation facing Afghan people, the NHRI stressed that human rights defenders, as well as all Afghan people, at risk of persecution by the Taliban and who wish to seek asylum in France must be able to benefit from protection.

French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights

In its opinion on Climate Emergency and Human Rights from May 2021, the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights dedicated a paragraph to human rights defenders involved in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment. It stressed the importance of providing a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders to operate freely and without any restrictions. Based on the first report issued by the Observatoire des libertés associatives, the NHRI noted that human rights defenders in France – especially those working to protect the environment – find their activities are hindered. Obstacles to human rights defenders and civil society in France can take many forms. For example, they can be resource-related, judicial, administrative, police-related, or physical. In this regard, the Commission addressed the public authorities with two recommendations.

Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia

In October 2020, the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia organised an online meeting titled “Human Rights Defenders and the Challenges Faced by Them.” At the event, the NHRI presented an internal “Guide to Working on Issues relating to Human Rights Defenders.” The guide explains the concept of human rights defenders and outlines how the Georgian NHRI protects and promotes their rights (in reference to international practices and standards). The Guide is available in Georgian and English.

Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia

The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia has drawn attention to the challenges and threats faced by human rights defenders and civil society in both Europe and Georgia. The Public Defender dedicated a chapter to this topic in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 annual reports it submitted to parliament. The reports underlined an increasing trend of verbal abuse, physical assaults, intimidation, and defamation, including by high-ranking political officials. Specifically, the reports pointed to challenges faced by women and LGBTI+ defenders and voiced concerns about cyber threats against and the bullying of human rights defenders. The reports analysed the rights of peaceful assembly, association and expression, as well as media freedom. The NHRI called on law enforcement agencies to undertake effective, timely investigations into any cases of human rights defenders at risk. It also provided recommendations to the government on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders.

Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia

A human rights activist from an area outside of state control faced physical danger and criminal charges while being imprisoned due to her human rights work. The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia challenged her detention and harassment as illegal, calling for a fair investigation and issuing several public statements calling on authorities to ensure her safety. The NHRI also raised international and regional attention of the case and nominated the HRD for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize and the UN Human Rights Prize.

German Institute for Human Rights

In June 2024, the German Institute for Human Rights (GIHR) organised an expert discussion with the German CSO coalition on transnational repression (TNR). Since 2025, GIHR has been cooperating with a university law clinic to assess the extent and methods of TNR in Germany and define Germany’s human rights obligations regarding those affected by TNR.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Human Rights Tracker is an open-access, online tool for raising awareness of international human rights obligations and supporting civil society to hold the UK and Welsh governments to account. The Tracker is used by civil society organisations, academics, parliamentarians, legal professionals and government departments themselves. The EHRC provides free training sessions to introduce stakeholders to the UK and Welsh governments’ international human rights obligations and demonstrate how to use the tool.

Greek National Commission for Human Rights

The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) maintains very close relationship with NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs), while monitoring very closely the situation regarding civil society space and the protection of human rights defenders. Not only prominent NGOs and CSOs form part of the GNCHR Plenary, but the GNCHR also maintains within its premises the Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN). This was established in 2011 by the GNCHR and the Greek Office of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

Greek National Commission for Human Rights

The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) closely monitors the execution of European Court of Human Rights judgments, including those related to human rights defenders. In August 2018, the GNCHR submitted to the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers its Recommendations under Rule 9(2) with regard to the immediate full compliance of the Greek government with the landmark Court judgment Chowdury and Others v. Greece (known as the “Manolada case”). Two years later, in June 2020, it made an additional Communication on the assessment of the level of compliance of the Greek State with the GNCHR’s recommendations on the Chowdury judgment.

In another emblematic case for the protection of human rights, the Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN) – an initiative of the Commission and UNHCR in Greece – activated the same procedure under Rule 9(2), in December 2020, by submitting a communication for the supervision of the execution of judgments and the terms of friendly settlements, relating to the case of Sakir v. Greece.

Greek National Commission for Human Rights

In its submission to ENNHRI’s 2022 Rule of Law report, the Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) expressed concern about an increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders. This particularly affected organisations and activists working with refugees, migrants, and the LGBTI+ community. Consequently, the GNCHR approved in principle the adoption of a bill on “Recognition and Protection of Human Rights Defenders”. This was brought before the Commission’s Plenary by the Greek Transgender Support Association (SYD), a member of the Commission. The bill aims to ensure that human rights defenders are free from attacks, reprisals and unreasonable restrictions. Moreover, all human rights defenders should be able to work in a safe and supportive environment. In this context, the GNCHR considered establishing its own focal point for human rights defenders.

Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo*

On October 2021, the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo*, together with UN Women office in Kosovo*, launched the Informal Advocacy Task Force on Gender-Sensitive Standards for Occupational Safety, Health and Decent Work.

This task force aims to foster cooperation between stakeholders, the Ombudsperson Institution, the Women’s Caucus, UN entities, trade unions, private companies, gender equality activists and CSOs to promote gender-sensitive standards for Occupational Safety, Health and Decent Work.

The Task Force consists of the Ombudsperson (chair), while the co-chair will be the representative of the Women’s Caucus, several CSOs, and the Labor Inspectorate, Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, and the Union of Independent Trade Unions of Kosovo.

This task force shall promote occupational safety and health for all and will meet every three months. It will also establish a platform for the regular exchange of information, awareness raising, and advocacy for functional formal mechanisms and social dialogue at the national level.

People’s Advocate of Moldova

As the authority responsible for ensuring whistleblower protection in Moldova, the People’s Advocate of Moldova created a form for submitting request and alerts on their website. Through this, whistleblowers can liaise with the NHRI on reviewing their case.

People’s Advocate of Moldova

In 2021, the People’s Advocate of Moldova elaborated a concept regarding the necessity and importance to develop a draft law on human rights defenders. After that, the NHRI involved civil society and public authorities in discussion on the law, receiving mostly positive feedback. In parallel, the campaigning for children human rights defenders expanded and the NHRI proposed to include a chapter on children human rights defenders in the law, while mentioning the Ombudsman for Children as one of the protection mechanisms.

People’s Advocate of Moldova

The People’s Advocate of Moldova and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Moldova launched an online course on whistleblowers’ protection in Russian and Romanian. The platform is aimed at employees from both the public and private sector. Users learn about how to disclose illegal practices; the particularities of whistleblowing in the private and public sectors; what illegalities may be disclosed; and the protection guarantees for those speaking out about corruption and irregularities in the institutions they work in.

People’s Advocate of Moldova

The People’s Advocate of the Republic of Moldova closely monitors threats to the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, while publishing public statements to support human rights defenders and prevent polarisation within society. In one case, a politician verbally threatened media actors and civil society representatives criticising his political activities and position. In response, the NHRI issued a statement condemning his discourse. This was supported by OHCHR and major human rights organisations in the country. The NHRI also reacted promptly in 2018 when a mayor expressed threatening statements to journalists and in 2020 when government officials attacked the press. It issued statements calling on the national authorities and the General Prosecutor’s Office to investigate. 

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) contributed to the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society by engaging with international and regional mechanisms. The Commission provided written and oral evidence to the United Nations (UN) Committee on Civil and Political Rights during its eighth periodic review of the United Kingdom (UK) (NI Human Rights Commission, ‘Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee on the UK’s Eighth Periodic Report on Compliance with the UN ICCPR’ (NIHRC, 2024)). This included raising issues that concerned human rights defenders and civil society and advising the UN Committee on what recommendations would be most useful in Northern Ireland. The submission included recommendation on freedom of expression, i.e., the introduction of legislation in Northern Ireland that provides comprehensive protection against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), and a revised defamation law that strikes a fair balance between freedom of expression and the right to private life, including providing for a serious harm test.

Norwegian National Human Rights Institution

In 2019, the Norwegian National Human Rights Institution and the Norwegian NGO Forum on Human Rights conducted a survey on human rights defenders, with questions based on the provisions of the UN declaration on human rights defenders.

Romanian Institute for Human Rights

Following its participation in the NHRI Academy 2021, the Romanian Institute for Human Rights designed a training course for staff working with the country’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The training course aimed to raise awareness on issues relating to human rights defenders and NHRIs. Its objectives were to increase the effectiveness of the implementation and promotion of human rights at the national level; educate on the characteristics, mandate and modus operandi of key human rights institutions at the national level; develop an appropriate and adequate national regulatory framework for human rights defenders; and strengthen the national regulatory framework for NHRIs.

Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia

At the beginning of 2024, the Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding with the Foundation “SOS Children’s Villages Serbia”. This was done with the aim of ensuring a higher level of education and awareness raising among children and young people from all programmes implemented by this organisation about the possibilities of contacting the institution of the Protector of Citizens, and about other mechanisms for the protection of child rights. To this end, two workshops were held last year to inform young people from alternative care and beneficiaries of other programmes of this organisation about the competencies of the Protector of Citizens.

The Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding signed at the beginning of 2024 has indeed enabled the NHRI to increase awareness among children and young people from alternative care and other programmes implemented by this organisation about the possibilities of contacting the Protector of Citizens and other mechanisms for the protection of their rights. So far, three workshops for children and youth were held and they have been well received. The Protector of Citizens plans to continue this cooperation in the coming period.

Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia

The Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia has completed the technical development of a unique platform for registering and tracking harassment and attacks experienced by journalists and others working in the media. Once operational and running, the platform will, help ensure faster and more efficient responses from the competent authorities in the reported cases of violations of media freedom and freedom of expression. It will also provide a broader and more comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by journalists and contribute to enhanced public confidence in state institutions. In 2021, the platform was presented to the Government Working Group for the Safety and Protection of Journalists established in 2020.

Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia

The Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia initiated changes to the Law on Public Order and Peace. These changes were presented in September 2021 at a meeting of the Working Group of the Government of the Republic of Serbia for Security and Protection of Journalists. The proposed amendments include misdemeanor sanctions for violence, threats and insults against individuals and journalists on the internet and social networks. When presenting its Annual Report to the Parliament in 2020, the NHRI also underlined the importance of regulation in the area which would stop and punish violence committed and threats and insults made on social networks.

Ombudsman of Spain

In 2024, the Ombudsman of Spain gave two awards: the school drawing competition on human rights (an annual award) and the King of Spain Human Rights Award (a biannual award). The latter recognises and promotes the work of organisations working to defend and promote human rights and democratic values in Spain, Portugal and Latin America, and is awarded by HM the King of Spain. In 2024, this award was awarded to the Mexican missing persons of Jalisco association (FUNDEJ).

Swedish Institute for Human Rights

In 2024, the Swedish Institute for Human Rights undertook several preparatory actions as regards a forthcoming survey and investigation into human rights defenders (HRDs) in Sweden planned for 2025. These included a desk study and other means of orientation in terms of international policies and activities for HRDs.

The preparatory study’s preliminary findings were presented at the 2025 NHRI Academy 2025. They indicate an overall context that is conducive to the enjoyment of human rights, including functioning networks for human rights specialists or contact points within state authorities, municipalities, NGOs and businesses. However, this is being increasingly challenged by securitisation, the high pace of new legislation, anti-woke sentiments, smears against HRDs, and harsh treatment of civil disobedience, among other things.

Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights

The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights is responsible for the implementation of Point 4 of the Ukrainian Peace Formula (“release of all prisoners and deportees”). It therefore keeps under personal control and takes all possible measures to establish the fate of Ukrainian citizens, including human rights defenders, held in places of detention in the territory of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation and the territory of Russia.

The Commissioner has established a Working Group on the Protection of the Civilians’ Rights and Freedoms.

The Working Group is chaired by the Representative of the Commissioner in the System of Bodies in the Security and Defence Sector, who is a member of the Ukrainian delegation to negotiate with Ukraine’s international partners and representatives of the Russian Federation to achieve a just and sustainable peace. Its composition also includes representatives of civil society. The main tasks of the Working Group include:

• Mobilisation of resources to confirm the fact of captivity and release of civilians;
• Legal support for unlawfully detained persons;
• Pressure on the Russian Federation to ensure access to assistance, monitoring of prison conditions, attracting international support, initiating sanctions and criminal prosecution of the occupation authorities;
• Support to the released and returned persons and their families, aimed at their successful reintegration into society.

The Working Group developed an Action Plan for the Release of Civilians Detained as the Result of the Armed Aggression of the Russian Federation for 2025-2026. This aims to ensure a holistic strategic approach to the release and return of civilians deprived of their personal liberty because of the armed aggression against Ukraine.

Therefore, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights prioritises and is constantly working to protect the rights of civilians deprived of their personal liberty as a result of the armed aggression against Ukraine, support their families, and find ways to return every Ukrainian citizen home.