“Protecting our space: Human rights defender strategies to protect civil society space”, 18 Jul 2016

To share experiences and strategies with human rights defenders working to safeguard civil society space, ISHR has released a new report showcasing examples of successful human rights change from around the world. [F]ollowing consultations with human rights defenders from around the world[,]...[b]y collating various first hand examples of targeted advocacy to defend or expand civil society space, the report examines the shared elements that contributed to success. The report lists several elements of successful strategies as well as lessons learnt from unsuccessful experiences. [The report emphasises that] engaging businesses can assist to broaden the movement for change and to put pressure on governments who often respond better when economic incentives are involved. Businesses often have access to greater resources, funding and networks than civil society organisations, making them powerful allies, as well as threatening foes. [The report also calls upon HRDs to] lobby to ensure that non-State actors (involved in aggressions against HRDs, i.e.business) understand the [HRD protection] law and their role in protecting HRDs.