'The urgency of combating stigmatization and criminalization of human rights defenders', 21 July 2021

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and emergency measures, the state can more easily justify the arbitrary arrests of protesters and human rights defenders (HRDs), thus elevating the risk of criminalization. It is also much easier for governments to monitor and track their movements both on- and off-line, increasing their vulnerability...

For those who have internet access, bringing discussions about human rights violations online has opened communications channels that have been previously closed... However, many HRDs, communities, and organizations are reporting that they are now further exposed to online harassment, doxing, hacking and censorship..

One of Protection International’s partner organizations in Brazil was recently attacked with violent and racist comments during a Facebook and YouTube Live session...

To proactively counter digital security incidents, Protection International created a Digitalization Task Force specifically to monitor digital incidents, as well as train staff to use and advocate for privacy-friendly platforms, including secure communications tools... but financial restraints are still impeding many HRDs from being able to do so. For example, WhatsApp may be freely included in certain phone plans, while Signal, the more secure messaging app option, is not. Privacy continues to be a luxury, available for only those HRDs who can afford it...

States need to invest in improved policies and mechanisms for HRDs that address protection in a comprehensive, gender sensitive, and intersectional way, allowing for the right to protest both in the digital and physical space without fear of an embellished ‘emergency protocol’ related charge. States should be investing in the citizens who are working towards building back a better version of their country, rather than surveilling, detaining, and putting them behind bars.