By NHRI mandate
By topic
Enabling environment for HRDs & CSOs
Environmental HRDs
Freedom of assembly and association
Freedom of expression
Freedom of the media
Funding of CSOs
Non-government controlled territories
Prohibition of discrimination
Protection of HRDs
Right to a fair trial
Right to an effective remedy
Right to privacy
Right to respect for private and family life
Sustainable Development Goals
Whistleblowers
Women HRDs
By country
Monitoring and reporting on human rights defenders and civil society space
In 2019, the People’s Advocate of Albania monitored 31 public demonstrations organised by various entities, including opposition political parties, civil society, students, and citizens. Some of these resulted in physical confrontations. Through working groups, the NHRI monitored the situation on the ground and immediately verified cases of alleged illegal actions committed by state authorities.
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.
In 2024, the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia actively monitored the human rights situation during widespread protests and assemblies in Yerevan and across the provinces. Rapid response teams from the Defender’s Office visited police departments in which detained protesters were held, conducted private interviews, informed individuals of their rights, and assessed conditions firsthand. The Office also reviewed submitted complaints and conducted ongoing monitoring of mass media and social media to identify rights violations and take appropriate action. Throughout this period, the Defender issued public statements urging state authorities to safeguard the peaceful nature of assemblies and uphold fundamental 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.
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.
Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2019, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina received numerous complaints from individuals concerning alleged violations of the right to peaceful assembly. These were prompted by the alleged excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies at public gatherings. In 2020, the Ombudsman published a Special Report on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly. This looked at the overall situation concerning freedom of assembly and listed challenges that law enforcement agencies and organisers of public gatherings face during said gatherings. The report analysed relevant domestic and international regulations and collected information through questionnaires filled out by civil society organisations and ministries. The NHRI shared the recommendations with state authorities, organisers of public gatherings and civil society organisations in order to improve the relevant legislation.
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.
Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria is monitoring the execution of the final European Court of Human Rights judgments in the case of Bozhkov v. Bulgaria. The case relates to the violation of the right to the freedom of expression of journalists (art. 10 ECHR) due to the fact that he reported about alleged corrupt practices. Related to the above, the Ombudsman issued a statement and invited state authorities to address a gap in whistleblower protection and ensure the timely and effective transposition of the EU Whistleblower Directive.
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.
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 Danish Institute for Human Rights publication “Furthering the right to defend rights through the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development” underlines states’ human rights obligations and political commitments within the 2030 Agenda. It also sets out how these promote and facilitate an enabling environment for human rights defenders and their work.
The document stresses that human rights defenders should participate in planning and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals. It can also guide efforts towards comprehensive assessment of the enabling environment for human rights defenders, based on both human rights standards and SDG commitments. Various actors can make good use of the publication, including state institutions, local authorities, civil society, NHRIs, and human rights defenders.
In its 2023 annual report to the German Parliament, the German Institute for Human Rights (GIHR) included a dedicated chapter on climate activism and is consistently monitoring the increasing repression of peaceful climate protests. It issued several public statements, including in reaction to preventive detention measures taken in Bavaria. GIHR regularly takes part in network meetings of civil society organisations working on the protection of climate activists and environmental defenders.
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
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.
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) 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.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
In the follow-up to its submission to the 2017 session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission provided information on how austerity measures impact on the functioning of civil society organisations. The Commission highlighted that funding should be restored to pre-austerity levels while ensuring the sustainability of civil society resources. This is particularly relevant for civil society organisations and community groups promoting women’s rights. The Commission recommended that the state adopt measures to ensure that resources allocated to organisations working in the fields of human rights and equality, including women’s rights, are protected from future budget cuts and in economic recessions.
Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo*
After receiving two complaints about the activities of civil society organisations being suspended following a request from a security body, the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo* published a report in 2018. It includes specific recommendations on compliance with the right to freedom of association. The report concluded that any suspension of activities based solely on suspicion – and without proper investigation – interferes with the right to freedom of association. The Ombudsman argued that this precedent poses a serious risk of other cases of state interference being justified on the same basis.
Monitoring by the Parliamentary Ombudspersons’ Office of the Republic of Lithuania found evidence of transnational repression of human rights defenders. On 12 March 2024 a prominent Russian political activist and outspoken critic of the current regime in Russia, Leonid Volkov, was attacked near his home in Vilnius by an unknown person with a hammer and briefly hospitalised. Lithuanian and Polish authorities subsequently made statements alleging that the attack was “organised by Russia”. In April 2024, the Lithuanian Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that several Polish citizens had been detained in connection to the attack by the Polish authorities and added that the attack was fuelled by Mr Volkov’s “beliefs and his views”. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the State Security Department, Lithuanian politicians and experts blamed it on the Kremlin regime and the Russian special services.
According to the NHRI, the most important gap in the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) nationally is that there are no specific initiatives, frameworks, or policies aiming to protect HRDs. In the case of HRDs, only general provisions apply. This includes anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) provisions (which are also not targeting HRDs specifically), introduced by the amendment of the Lithuanian Code of Civil Procedure on 22 December 2022 in article 95. The amendments came into force on 31 December 2022.
The 2025 edition of the Annual Report on Human Rights in the Netherlands by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights delves into the state of civic space in the country. The research was carried out on the basis of the monitoring methodology developed by one of the NHRIs in Belgium – the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights.
The report, published in September 2025, represents the institution’s first publication with a specific focus on shrinking civic space. It features recommendations to the government, including recognising the legitimacy of civil society in vibrant democracies; fostering opportunities for participation in law- and policy-making processes; allowing for an enabling environment and monitoring changes in civic space openness.
The preliminary findings, presented during the 2025 NHRI Academy, revealed that a consistent majority of Dutch civil society organisations are experiencing a deterioration of civic space, with half of them reporting it for their own organisation.
Additional analysis highlighted further worrying trends. These included increased restrictions on freedom of assembly and the stigmatisation of human rights defenders – particularly those working on migration and climate issues – and diminished consultation in legislative processes.
The report also raises concerns over new surveillance practices, government-led efforts to limit demonstrations, and proposed laws that risk undermining civil society’s participation and independence.
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.
Slovak National Centre for Human Rights
The Slovak National Centre for Human Rights has mapped experiences of threats, intimidation, harassment and restrictions of rights faced by human rights defenders and civil society in the field of environment protection. The research aimed to find out whether cases of harassment occur, and, if they do, what their nature is and whether they are reported to public authorities. The information was collected via questionnaires which asked respondents to detail their experiences. The NHRI collected 11 cases considered by respondents as a threat, harassment, or intimidation. Harassment of and slander against individuals or their families were most common. Additionally, threats and the use of administrative procedures as a form of harassment (e.g. complaints, criminal reports) were prevalent. In most cases, human rights defenders sought to defend themselves by legal means and addressed existing public authorities. However, human rights defenders perceived the options available to defend their rights as very limited.
Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia
The Human Ombudsman of Slovenia addressed a detailed inquiry to the Ministry of the Interior regarding the procedures the police followed when establishing some protesters’ identities during protests in Ljubljana on 19 June 2020. The justifications provided by the police for the identification of 69 individuals were in view of the Ombudsman so general that they could, most likely, be attributed to all the protesters, who numbered around 7,000. The Ombudsman, therefore, recommended that police always conduct identification procedures according to applicable laws and regulations.
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.
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.
Recommendations and advice on legislation, executive measures and public policies
Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia
In 2018, the State Revenue Committee of Armenia proposed draft amendments to the Law on Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that interfered with the right to freedom of association. Among them were ones that would oblige all NGOs to publicise the content of their annual reports, information about their financial activities, projects, number of employees and personal data of their employees, among other requirements.
In 2021, the Constitutional Court of Albania examined the constitutionality of a Criminal Code article relevant to freedom of assembly and referring to “obtaining permission from the competent body according to special provisions”. When conducting the examination, the People’s Advocate of Albania submitted observations stating that all legislation referring to rights to freedom of assembly must be clear and drafted in accordance with international human rights standards. Additionally, they highlighted that freedom of assembly cannot be subject to any formal approval by police. It is sufficient that authorities are notified in sufficient time. Lastly, the People’s Advocate underlined that it was disproportionate to have fines or imprisonment (of up to one year) as possible punishments for organisers of/participants in peaceful rallies. The Constitutional Court accepted these points.
Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights
In June 2021, the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (FIRM-IFDH) commented on three proposed laws aimed at prohibiting the creation and allowing the dissolution of certain groups and organisations formed to incite hatred, violence or discrimination. These proposals were also meant to allow the sanctioning of those who set up, assist, or are members of such organisations. While FIRM-IFDH welcomed the legislator’s continued commitment to combat such organisations, it noted that the current legal framework was sufficient in this regard. It further stressed that alternative sanctions to dissolution were more proportionate and less likely to impact the right of association. FIRM-IFDH also emphasised that any dissolution of an association or a group should be decided by the judiciary, not by the executive.
Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia
In 2016, the Croatian government adopted a decree that significantly reduced funds allocated from the national lottery to civil society organisations working on human rights and democratisation. The Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia engaged in public consultations and presented recommendations to the government. The NHRI also raised the issue in its 2016 Annual Report to the parliament. In 2017, the government adopted an amended version of the decree that increased the budget for civil society, although this was still under the level of 2015. In 2019, the NHRI continued work on the topic and issued recommendations to the government to adopt a new National Programme of Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, which would underline the importance of creating and maintaining an enabling environment for human rights and civil society.
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.
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) adopted two opinions critical of the draft law “confirming the respect for principles of the Republic”. The Commission considered that while the law’s objective to better combat criminal radicalism is legitimate, it can never justify implementing disproportionate measures that could undermine the fundamental freedoms at the heart of republican and democratic tradition. Unfortunately, the law was adopted on 24 August 2021 without any modifications based on the Commission’s opinions.
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.
In 2023, parliamentary discussions on the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” commenced in Georgia. From the outset of the legislative process, the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia (PDO) has strongly criticised the bill, underlining major incompatibilities with international human rights and democratic standards. In this vein, the PDO issued a public statement in 2023 expressing concerns.
After the draft law was initially withdrawn due to major mobilisation by civil society and criticism by international stakeholders, the government launched a large-scale crackdown on protests and a denigratory campaign against civil society organisations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs).
In 2024, the parliamentary majority reintroduced the aforementioned draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”, and the bill was finally adopted later that year.
In its 2022-2024 parliamentary reports, the PDO maintained that such legislation contradicts fundamental principles of a democratic society and damages civil society and HRDs, as it aim to undermine public trust in them.
The law’s adoption in 2024 was shortly followed by a Ministerial order, that obliged CSOs to register as the entities “pursuing the interests of foreign power.” The NHRI determined that the requirements of the order were unjustified and detrimental as the large-scale
publication of individuals’ personal data further exacerbated the law’s restrictive and stigmatising impact on individuals employed by the affected organisations.
Consequently, the PDO submitted a recommendation to the Ministry of Justice, requesting personal data not to be subject to disclosure. The PDO’s recommendation was partially accepted and implemented. Although names and surnames remain publicly accessible, even this partial implementation has significantly mitigated the negative impact of the regulation on the protection of personal data.
At present, the draft law is being challenged before the Constitutional Court of Georgia, and the Public Defender has submitted an amicus curiae brief in the ongoing proceedings.
Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary
Civil society organisations are not always consulted on draft laws that may impact their activities and work. The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary has called on ministries to ensure that civil society organisations can meaningfully participate in and be consulted during the drafting of draft laws and bills relevant to their work and beyond.
Commissioner for Fundamental Rights of Hungary
In Hungary, civil society organisations (CSOs) sent a letter to the Commissioner for Fundamental Rights complaining about an audit initiated by the Government Control Office. The audit started to review the distribution of funds under the CSO Fund of the European Economic Area (EEA) / Norway Grants. The Commissioner called on the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the signed agreement, clarify its provisions, and define the Control Office’s powers vis-à-vis this funding with the Norwegian government. In 2020, the Norwegian and Hungarian governments reached an agreement to make funding directly available to CSOs and establish a fund operator independent of the Hungarian authorities. In January 2021, the NHRI received the Ambassador of Norway to Hungary to reinforce their cooperation and enhance the execution of the agreement.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
In January 2019, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission published a policy statement on the “Electoral Acts and Civil Society Space in Ireland”. The statement outlined concerns related to the Electoral Act 1997 and its definition of ‘political purposes’ and ‘third party’. The Commission underlined that these are overly broad and can affect the functioning of a range of Irish civil society organisations. They can also restrict their advocacy functions while potentially even constraining their ability to work and seek funding. In 2020, the Commission noted that the General Scheme of the Electoral Reform Bill does not address these issues. Therefore, in February 2021 the Commission presented a submission to the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the above mentioned Bill. It stressed that such regulatory measures should avoid placing undue restrictions on wider civil society activity and suggested that a reform of the Electoral Acts is needed.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission recommended the State to consult with children and disabled people on the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill: this was to ensure a child and disability rights perspective to the legislation. The Commission has repeatedly highlighted concerns around the involvement of disabled people in decision-making processes. This was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislation and policies with significant implications for disabled people were adopted, even though they were not meaningfully engaged. The Commission has stressed the importance of closely consulting and involving disabled people and Disabled Persons Organisations in legislative and policy decision-making processes in line with Article 4.3 of the UNCRPD and General Comment 7 on the participation of persons with disabilities. To ensure meaningful participation, the Commission has called on the State to actively support the further development and involvement of Disabled Persons Organisations. It can do so by providing sustainable core funding, capacity building, and training.
Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg
In 2018, the government of Luxembourg drafted amendments to the law Nº 6961 aimed at strengthening the protection of classified information. This was to be done by incorporating a security clearance system, mainly implemented by the National Safety Authority. In 2019, the Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg published an opinion on how the draft negatively impacted the right to freedom of expression and access to information, as well as to the protection of personal data. The NHRI expressed concerns that the law does not provide an exception for journalists or whistleblowers who report information about threats or harm to the public interest. The opinion provided recommendations to the government to ensure a human rights compliant revision of the draft legislation, one in which whistleblowers, informants and journalists are sufficiently protected. Additionally, the opinion advised on setting out clear modalities for the collection/use of personal data and avoiding excessive interference with privacy. The opinion took European regulations, European Court of Human Rights case law, and Council of Europe standards into account.
Since 2021, the People’s Advocate Office of the Republic of Moldova (PAO) has actively engaged in drafting a Concept for a Law on Human Rights Defenders and consulting on it with civil society, professionals and other stakeholders. In 2022, the draft was publicly debated with the participation of civil society representatives, including organisations such as OSCE Moldova, the Union of Lawyers and other key actors. The People’s Advocate welcomed the dialogue, and the feedback received was incorporated into the draft.
In 2024, at the initiative of the PAO, the new National Human Rights Action Plan for 2024-2027 included a specific action aimed at strengthening national standards on the protection of human rights defenders. This action explicitly states: “the normative framework ensures the safety of human rights defenders and journalists, including in the Transnistrian region”. Consult the adopted Plan here.
Following this progress, in 2024, the PAO organised another round of public consultations on the Concept, engaging public authorities, international partners, and civil society. The Concept was finalised and submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review on 11 February 2025. Subsequently, on 17 April 2025, the Ministry published an announcement on its website regarding the initiation of the process of drafting the Law on Human Rights Defenders. It invited all interested stakeholders to submit proposals and contributions.
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.
The activities of human rights defenders and civil society in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova have been restricted by rules and laws that limit their right to information and ability to express opposition to Transnistrian authorities. Human rights defenders’ freedom of expression was violated in 2020 when defenders were arrested and intimidated. In response, the People’s Advocate of Moldova issued recommendations to Moldovan authorities, mediators and observers. These aimed to make sure these parties applied international law and guaranteed the protection of human rights when designing measures to address the situation.
In 2024, the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights addressed a letter to the National Council of the Slovak Republic in relation to the amendment proposal to the Act on non-profit organisations (hereinafter “NGO Act”).
In the letter, the Centre shared its considerations on the draft law, including its adoption process, which was carried out without consultations with civil society organisations (CSOs), thus weakening and undermining trust in civil society. At the same time, the draft law portrayed civil society as an enemy and contributed to the restriction of democratic space and the stigmatisation of organisations.
Following widespread criticism, an amendment was presented to the National Council reformulating the original proposal. The new proposed legislation replaced the obligation to register as a ‘foreign-backed organisation’ with an obligation to register for the activity of “lobbying”, targeting non-governmental non-profit organisations only. In response to the new amendments, the Slovak NHRI published an opinion on its website, asking the deputies of the National Council not to support the parliamentary bill.
In addition, ahead of the second parliamentary hearing in March 2025, the Slovak NHRI requested a legal review of the draft law from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
Shortly before the law was adopted in April 2025, certain provisions were removed, including those relating to ‘lobbying’ activities by non-profit NGOs and to the grounds for dissolution due to non-compliance with the newly introduced requirements.
Nonetheless, ODIHR found that the adopted law still did not meet the strict requirements set by international human rights law to limit the right to freedom of association. It concluded that the law should be fully reviewed.
The Ombudsman of Spain has contributed to the Latin American Federation of Ombudsman (FIO) report on human rights defenders. This includes many recommendations to governments.
In Spain, the Organic Law on the Protection of Citizens’ Security was adopted in 2015. The law extends the sanctioning power of the country’s General State Administration and could facilitate inaccurate legal interpretations, leaving things at the discretion of the police. At the same time, it could hinder media freedoms and citizens’ ability to mobilise.
The Ombudsman of Spain has repeatedly asked for its modification. It has made recommendations relating to external body searches on public roads, offences in the context of meetings and demonstrations, and the use of images or data by the police. Recent annual reports of the Ombudsman have advocated the reform of some aspects of this Law, seeking the right balance between security and freedom.
Facilitate access to justice for human rights defenders
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.
NHRIs can collectively engage before the European Court of Human Rights (the Court) through ENNHRI’s coordinated third party interventions. Through its Legal Working Group, ENNHRI provides support for strategic litigation and prepares third-party interventions on key human rights concerns. In the landmark climate case Greenpeace Nordic and Others Youth vs Norway, ENNHRI submitted written observations to the Court in 2021 and again in 2022 after the case was transferred to the Court’s Grand Chamber. The eventual judgment reflected key elements of ENNHRI’s submissions, including the applicability of Article 8 on the right to respect for private and family life and Article 6 (1) on access to court, particularly where procedural barriers risk preventing judicial scrutiny of measures needed to protect life and physical integrity in the face of the climate crisis.
Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia
The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Batumi City Court regarding the internal and social media code of conduct of Adjara TV. The code restricted the freedom of expression of company employees. The NHRI analysed the cases of four employees and established that their dismissal or move to another position contravened Georgia’s Labour Code and Adjara TV’s internal labour regulations. The Public Defender recommended that the Adjara TV director restore the rights of the employees. As this was not done, the NHRI asked the Prosecutor General to launch an investigation. The Public Defender also contacted both the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in relation to the case.
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 defender for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize and the UN Human Rights Prize.
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.
The Swedish Institute for Human Rights submitted an Amicus curiae to the Supreme Court in favour of the environmental NGO Aurora’s right to hold the state accountable for shortcomings in the implementation of Sweden’s international environmental and human rights commitments.
In the submission the institute argued that the actions brought in the Aurora case were suitable for judicial review. Specifically, it provided an overview of the right of access to justice for individuals and associations in climate cases under the European Convention on Human Rights and the recent case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. This was complemented by a review of other international law on standing to bring proceedings. Finally, it provided a comparative overview of court cases where climate litigation has been allowed in several other countries.
The Institute has also supported individual environmental defenders who have contacted the helpline of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. It has provided them with information on the communications procedure attached to the Special Rapporteur’s mandate.
Promoting a culture of rights for all human rights defenders
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the absence of a legal definition of human rights defenders (HRDs), the Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia (PDO) developed an internal guide to address issues relating to them. The document provides an overview of the role of the NHRI in defending HRDs and refers to international standards and commitments.
It also outlines the activities carried out by the PDO, including proactive monitoring of media, as well as active engagement with local NGOs and activists. These activities are crucial to enable the PDO to properly identify human rights violations against HRDs. Other activities include developing relevant recommendations and proposals, performing the role of amicus curiae, collecting data, and undertaking other public initiatives in support of HRDs.
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.
Ombudswoman of the Republic of Croatia
During a human rights film festival in December 2021, the Ombudswoman of Croatia organised a public consultation with civil society organisations. This was done to gain insight into challenges faced by human rights defenders and to identify key challenges in human rights protection. For its 2021 Annual Report to the Parliament, the NHRI sent out a public call inviting civil society to send data and insights, while specific questions were asked about key challenges to their work. The input from these consultations are reflected in the Ombudswoman’s Annual Report for 2021 and fed into Croatia’s Universal Periodic Review process.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Promote cooperation and partnerships with and for human rights defenders
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.
The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia cooperates with human rights defenders (HRDs) and NGOs in a continuous and systematic way across all areas of human rights protection. Cooperation is implemented though various formats, including the establishment of councils adjunct to the NHRI. These are composed of representatives of CSOs, HRDs, and independent experts. At the present time, the Defender’s Office has established six public councils adjunct to the Defender.
The council adjunct assists the work of the NHRI on specific thematic areas. For instance, in September 2024, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia held a session of the Public Council on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons of Belonging to National Minorities. During the session representatives of NGOs participated in the drafting works of the Law on National Minorities. The observations, comments, and suggestions regarding the draft law were summarised and presented to the competent state bodies.
In June 2024, the Human Rights Defender – with the support of UNICEF – organised a regular session of the Public Council on Children and Youth Rights adjunct to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia. The event was a unique opportunity for children to address their questions to officials and decision-makers.
Azerbaijan Ombudsman Institute
In 2021, taking into account the importance of strengthening the cooperation with civil society organizations, a special Department on Cooperation with International Organizations and Civil Society Institutions was established at the Ombudsman Office. The main function of the Department is to create a bridge between the government bodies and CSOs. In this respect we on a regular basis hold meetings with the members of CSOs, learn about their problems, discuss the ways of cooperation and receive their proposals. Moreover, a new platform was set up with CSOs for enhancing this cooperation, several joint events have been organized so far.
Peer support among NHRIs can help address challenges faced in a context of limitations on democratic space. Together with regional partners, ENNHRI organises training and capacity building activities for NHRI staff. Topics covered include human rights defenders, NHRIs under threat, and communicating human rights. For example, the NHRI Academy 2021, jointly organised by ENNHRI and OSCE/ODIHR, focused on “Protecting human rights defenders and co-creating inclusive civil society space”. Moreover, ENNHRI’s 2018 Annual Conference gathered over 100 human rights stakeholders from across Europe to discuss how European NHRIs can better foster democratic space and support human rights defenders in the region.
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.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) aims to provide financial assistance (up to once per treaty monitoring cycle) by commissioning organisations to produce joint shadow reports on behalf of wider civil society. It also funds travel for civil society organisations (CSOs) to participate in UN oral evidence sessions to increase the diversity of representation in UN review processes.
For instance, in 2024 the EHRC offered funding to CSOs in Britain of up to £7,500 to provide in-person evidence to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to inform its 7th periodic review of the United Kingdom.
In 2022, the Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) established a Recording Mechanism of Informal Forced Returns, which brings together 11 NGOs active in the fields of migration and asylum. The Recording Mechanism provides a “protective shield” for its member organisations. They are operating in a generally hostile environment in Greece, where civil society actors engaged with refugee and migration issues often face pressure from both state and non-state actors.
The Recording Mechanism was created by a decision of the GNCHR plenary in September 2021 as the Greek NHRI’s institutional response to two major challenges: (a) the absence of an official and effective data collection mechanism for informal forced returns, and (b) the need for coordination among organisations that had been recording such incidents on their own initiative, based on testimonies from alleged victims.
The GNCHR drew from past best practice, such as the Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN), which has been operating since 2011, and is jointly coordinated by GNCHR and the UNHCR Office in Greece. The Recording Mechanism provides the tools and the methodology to enhance NGOs’ capacity and knowledge to record testimonies of informal forced returns. The UNHCR Office in Greece, as a co-operating agency, provides technical support and advice to its operation. Amnesty International participates as an observer in the initiative. As a result, member NGOs of the Recording Mechanism can continue their field activities, including the recording of testimonies, under the umbrella of the Greek NHRI and without any interference by state authorities.
Since its establishment, the Recording Mechanism has published three Annual Reports (2022, 2023 and 2024), which have been formally submitted to the Greek authorities as well as to international and regional human rights bodies. In addition, the findings of the Recording Mechanism have informed the GNCHR’s third-party intervention before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the cases A.R.E v Greece and G.R.J. v Greece, further strengthening its contribution to accountability and the enforcement of the principle of non-refoulement.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
In June 2021, the Irish government announced a review of its Equality Acts. To support and encourage civil society groups and individuals to engage in the review process, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the civil society organisation, FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres), have launched a joint project called Equality ACTion.
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
To empower the advocacy and work of civil society, rights-holders, community-led groups and trade unions in Ireland, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission operates a grant scheme to support human rights and equality projects across Ireland. This scheme supports research programmes, training and resource activities, conferences, events, and cultural initiatives. Under its Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2021, the Commission supported 28 projects which encompass a range of issues. They include social exclusion and socioeconomic discrimination; racism and discrimination experienced, in particular, by ethnic and minority communities; and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for their rights.
Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo*
In October 2021, the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo* organised the first constitutive Forum for the dialogue between the Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo and organisations of civil society. The Forum aimed to develop a cooperation platform for identifying human rights violations, challenges to civil society, and opportunities for joint activities to promote and protect human rights in Kosovo*.
The Ombudsperson proposed the following thematic areas for the forum:
- Human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kosovo*
- Systematic human rights violations
- Promoting the work of the Ombudsperson Institution and civil society organisations working on human rights issues
- Coordinating joint activities
- Forms of cooperation between civil society and the Ombudsperson Institution.
Forum meetings are scheduled to take place on a quarterly basis, guaranteeing a dynamic and proactive approach. To implement and properly coordinate this work, the Ombudsperson assigned a focal point to be responsible for communication with civil society organisations.
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.
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
In 2020 and 2021, journalists investigating organised crime and paramilitarism in Northern Ireland received death threats. For example, journalist Patricia Devlin received online threats, including towards her young son and graffiti featuring the crosshair of a gun next to her name. In September 2021, her complaint that the Police Service had failed to investigate the complaints or provide protection was upheld. In April 2021, a Belfast Telegraph photographer was attacked whilst covering unrest in Belfast.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) recommended that limitations of journalists’ freedom of expression must be human rights compliant. Information allegedly linking state agents to non-human rights compliant conduct should not be withheld and HRDs should not face intimidation or reprisals for disclosing such information. The NIHRC insisted that the right to a fair trial and effective remedy for journalists are fulfilled. Additionally, it recommends that journalists have effective protection to report on issues of public importance.
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.
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.
In June 2025, the Protector of Citizens of the Republic of Serbia established a permanent advisory body consisting of representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities and other relevant civil society organisations. The body serves as a consultative forum for discussing systemic challenges, legislative proposals, and measures to improve the protection and realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities. It also provides a structured platform for continuous dialogue between the institution and disability rights advocates, ensuring that their perspectives are directly integrated into the institution’s recommendations and initiatives. The institution plans to establish advisory bodies in other relevant areas of human rights, such as gender equality, rights of LGBTI persons, rights of the child, rights of national minorities and trafficking in human beings by the end of 2025.
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.
Support human rights defenders facing challenges and threats
At the end of 2020, a young person was murdered by a state police employee. This caused nationwide protests lasting several days that demanded the responsible person be brought to justice. The People’s Advocate of Albania launched an investigation into police conduct when arresting journalists during these protests. Media reports documented several media actors being taken to police premises. The NHRI recommended that the police analyse the cases in terms of what constitutes lawful conduct of police officers when escorting individuals. It also recommended that the police guarantee the media’s right to cover protests; train police officers to improve their conduct towards media actors; avoid violating the rights of escorted persons; and establish special rules concerning the treatment of media actors. The police have followed up on the recommendations with concrete measures and actions addressing them.
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.
German Institute for Human Rights
In 2020, the German Foreign Office launched the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative. This is a protection programme open to human rights defenders, including NHRI members and staff abroad, who face threats due to their work. The initiative consists of three main elements, including on-site assistance, grants for temporary relocation within home countries or regions, and grants for temporary relocation to Germany. The programme was put to use in 2021, the German Institute for Human Rights nominated a member for the selection committee. After the takeover by the Taliban, the German Institute for Human Rights, together with the Asia Pacific Forum of NHRIs, successfully advocated for staff from the Afghan NHRI to be included on the list of people evacuated by German authorities. As a result, some staff members and their families have relocated to Germany and received a residence permit. The Institute has been advocating to continue these evacuation efforts and to extend them to other human rights defenders. The NHRI published a study on Germany’s human rights obligations in this regard.
Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg
The Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg took part in an event organised by the government to gather input for the development of a project for human rights defenders. Named Shelter Cities, it aims to set up a procedure for the reception of individual human rights defenders in Luxembourg for a predetermined rest period. This would be done via the protectdefenders.eu website. Since the abovementioned initial meeting, there has not been any noticeable progress. However, the government reiterated its commitment to the project “shelter cities” in its candidacy pledge for the UN Human Rights Council 2022-2024.
A similar project, ShelterCity, is being implemented in the Netherlands and operates in cooperation with Justice and Peace Netherlands, Dutch cities, and local organisations.
Facilitating access to justice for HRDs
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.
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.
The Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia (PDO) supports the protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) through amicus curiae briefs submitted to national courts, including in follow-up to complaints filed by HRDs and civil society organisations (CSOs).
For example, in July 2025, the Public Defender submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Tbilisi Court of Appeals following the complaint of a CSO. The organisation contested a City Court ruling that upheld the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s request to compel disclosure of sensitive information. At least six similar motions against CSOs had been granted by June 2025. The PDO raised concerns about state interference in freedom of association, the protection of HRDs’ activities, and the rights of vulnerable groups, such as minors, persons with disabilities, and victims of violence, highlighting privacy and child rights considerations. The submission also warned of a growing trend of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and outlined tools for courts to recognise and address them effectively.
Further, in August 2025, the PDO submitted another amicus curiae brief on a City Court ruling concerning HRDs charged with violating the law due to road blockages during a public demonstration. From November 2024 to June 2025, the Tbilisi City Court reviewed over a thousand of administrative cases under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, covering violations in organising or holding assemblies. The PDO stressed that courts must carefully balance the scope of the right to freedom of assembly, the lawful limits on restrictions, and the responsibilities of law enforcement in policing assemblies.
Both submissions aim to guide the judiciary in applying consistent human rights standards in cases with similar circumstances.
This resource is co-funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.