FRA: report on protecting human rights defenders

As the director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Michael O'Flaherty, points out, “civil society is essential to respectful societies that uphold human dignity.” Indeed, it is widely recognised how important the work of human rights defenders is with regard to fundamental freedoms and democracy. 

However, European Union (EU) legislation does not contain rules that can directly protect human rights defenders and the approach is rather fragmented. Moreover, the number of these defenders killed as a result of their humanitarian work around the world prompted the FRA to compile a report on the protection of human rights defenders at risk. Besides investigating the current situation, the report proposes how the EU and Member States can help human rights defenders. These tools include: making better use of EU law to grant entry visas to defenders through the EU Visa Code; introducing or expanding relocation programmes, including for family members; raising awareness of border officers; considering the impact of digitisation to ensure more effective options for defenders; ensuring support so that defenders can continue their work; and, finally, examining existing legal instruments.

In conclusion, a more consistent approach can provide human rights defenders with greater security within the EU.