Digital Security Support for Civil Society Actors in Fragile Environments

The purpose of this project is to enhance human rights defenders civil society organizations and other activists’ abilities to network online by assisting them to secure their digital space and address cyber-attacks aimed at them. This is achieved through training and capacity building to individuals and organizations from these groups around the world. In addition the project provides support to a Digital Security Helpline that services the above-mentioned populations to address their digital security risks. This initiative supports open and inclusive environments where individuals or interest groups can advocate for their interests without fear of retribution which can lead to more stable societies. This includes advocacy that is undertaken online where the internet and cyberspace have become important platforms for free expression. Civil institutions’ media and human rights organizations’ websites and online communication platforms are frequently targeted and compromised by cyber-attack. This can happen often in fragile and conflict-affected states where civil society organizations and human right defenders are easily targeted through digital threats mass surveillance and online censorship of opposition voices and online harassment.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved digital security practice by human rights defenders and activists facing online violence particularly those working with vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas including women refugees and LGBTQI; (2) increased effectiveness of the digital security support ecosystem including the Helpline and network partners to support at-risk human rights defenders; and (3) enhanced effectiveness in the development of digital security tools and resources by practitioners and at-risk human rights defenders promoting human rights justice and equality.