DefendDefenders’ oral statements at HRC60
Oral statements delivered during the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (8 September-8 October 2025) Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of
9 September 2025
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Prevention strategies are vital to mitigate risk. We offer preventive protection strategies for HRDs to enable them to risk, and we conduct risk-assessments and analysis of the security situation for HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa.
Short-term security intervention is necessary when HRDs are under direct threats. DefendDefenders manages a 24/7 emergency line for HRDs in the sub-region, and support can include relocation to a safe house, and logistical and financial support. The support is identified on a case-by-case basis.
Capacity building is important to safeguard HRDs’ safety and protection. DefendDefenders offers comprehensive, in-depth security and protection capacity building, including trainings, mentoring, and security advice.
Long-term support strategies are essential to ensure that the HRDs are equipped to deal with the threats facing them. In addition to capacity building, the long-term security strategies can include offering HRDs education, financial start-up grant, support to find a job, as well as strategic advocacy,
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