Based on our interviews with human rights defenders around the world, we have prepared this factsheet to help you engage effectively with the U.S. embassy in your country... U.S. embassies often have a designated human rights officer and resources available to support human rights defenders, so it is usually worthwhile to meet with them... U.S. embassies, like other foreign embassies, can sup- port a human rights defender in a number of ways...

• Make public statements
• Conduct field visits to your office or community to raise your visibility
• Raise concerns through diplomatic channels to the host government or military
• Physically accompany you in dangerous situations...

... Every U.S. embassy assigns an official to serve as the human rights officer. In most cases, you will meet with this person. If your case relates to a business activity, you should also request that the economic officer join the meeting... Whenever possible, establish contact with an embas- sy before an emergency situation arises. This pro- vides embassy officials with more time to evaluate your case.