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Advice for human rights defenders
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to putting human rights and democratic principles at the center of our foreign policy. These Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Mission Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders highlight and amplify the United States’ commitment to supporting this vital work as part of the President’s strategic vision and U.S. foreign policy. It is aimed primarily at human rights officials at the U.S. Department of State and members of civil society around the world, including human rights defenders.
Protecting and supporting human rights defenders is a key U.S. foreign policy priority. Because human rights defenders seek to hold their governments accountable to protect universally recognized human rights, they are often harassed, detained, interrogated, imprisoned, tortured and even killed for doing their work. The objective of the Department is to enable human rights defenders to promote and defend human rights without hindrance or undue restriction and without fear of reprisals against them or their families. The work of these courageous individuals and groups is an integral part of a vibrant civil society, and our investment and support in them is also an investment and support in the rule of law and democracy. Every day, around the world, many members of civil society turn to us for assistance in emergency situations and to help them achieve long-term goals that will make their countries fairer and more democratic.
A human rights defender is…
According to the principle set out in theUnited Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defendersthat “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”, the Department defines defenders of human rights as individuals, working alone or in groups who advocate non-violently for the promotion and protection of universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Advocates can be of any ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious faith or age. They can come from any part of the world, from any social class or background, and can also be people with disabilities. How individual defenders promote and protect human rights also varies across countries, contexts and professions and can include, but is not limited to:
- Collect and disseminate information on human rights violations;
- Support victims of human rights violations;
- Mobilize action to ensure accountability and end impunity;
- Support better governance and better government policy;
- Contribute to the implementation of human rights treaties; And
- Educate and train others in human rights.
Further information on the Guidelines for Human Rights Defenders is available on the US Department of State website: https://www.state.gov/us-support-for-human-rights-defenders/
If you are a human rights defender seeking assistance from the US Embassy in Podgorica, contact us at: HRDSupportPodgorica@state.gov
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