Minister Joly announces support for digital security of human rights defenders
February 12, 2025 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced new funding to support the digital security of human rights defenders around the world.
“Human rights defenders are on the front lines of the fight for justice and equality, but they are increasingly being targeted by online harassment, surveillance, and other forms of digital attacks,” said Minister Joly. “This funding will help them to protect themselves and their work, so they can continue to speak out for the rights of all.”
The funding will be provided through the Human Rights Defenders Fund, which is a joint initiative of Global Affairs Canada and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to human rights defenders around the world.
The new funding will support a range of projects, including:
- Training for human rights defenders on how to protect themselves from online attacks
- Development of new tools and technologies to enhance the digital security of human rights defenders
- Advocacy for the protection of human rights defenders’ digital rights
“We are grateful for the support of the Government of Canada,” said Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. “This funding will make a real difference in the lives of human rights defenders around the world.”
The announcement was made at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, where Minister Joly is leading Canada’s delegation.
Canada is a strong supporter of human rights defenders. The government has provided over $100 million to the Human Rights Defenders Fund since its inception in 2016.
Background
Human rights defenders are individuals or groups who work to promote and protect human rights. They play a vital role in ensuring that everyone enjoys their fundamental rights and freedoms. However, they often face significant risks, including threats, violence, and imprisonment.
Digital attacks are a growing threat to human rights defenders. These attacks can include:
- Online harassment and intimidation
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Hacking and data breaches
- Disinformation and propaganda
These attacks can have a devastating impact on human rights defenders and their work. They can lead to fear, intimidation, and self-censorship. They can also make it difficult for human rights defenders to access information and communicate with each other.
Canada is committed to supporting human rights defenders and protecting their digital security. The government is working with partners around the world to develop and implement new tools and technologies to enhance the digital security of human rights defenders. The government is also advocating for the protection of human rights defenders’ digital rights.
Minister Joly announces support for digital security of human rights defenders
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