Training and Manuals

Training

Although many human rights defenders face very severe risks as a result of their work they often don't give adequate attention to their own security. Their main focus is the human rights of others. They are generally overloaded with work and other commitments. They sometimes don't feel there is anything they can do which will make a difference.

In response to concerns expressed by human rights defenders about the challenges of addressing more effectively issues around security Front Line has developed a program of capacity building activities and resources in cooperation with other organizations.

One of the key issues currently being addressed by Front Line through its training programme is the question of stress management and how we can help HRDs cope with the stress created by their work. To help us plan this work more effectively we would be very grateful if you would take a few minutes to fill in the questionnaire attached below and return it to annerimmer@frontlinedefenders.org

Protection Manual for Human Rights Defenders

The Protection Manual for Human Rights Defenders was researched and written by Enrique Eguren of Peace Brigades International, European Office (PBI BEO) and published by Front Line.

The purpose of this manual is to provide human rights defenders with additional knowledge and some tools that may be useful for improving their understanding of security and protection. The manual topics include risk analysis, evaluating threats, preventing and reacting to attacks and developing a security plan. It is hoped that the manual will support training on security and protection and will help defenders to undertake their own risk assessments and define security rules and procedures which suit their particular situation.

Front Line is developing an international network of human rights defenders who have experience of managing security and of delivering training in order to facilitate training programs based on the Protection Manual for Human Rights Defenders. Training workshops have been undertaken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kyrgyzstan (for Central Asia), Jordan (for Iraq and Syria)and Guatemala. Workshops focused on the specific needs of Women Human Rights Defenders have also been held in Ireland and Sri Lanka for international groups of participants.

Digital Security

Human rights defenders are increasingly using computers and the Internet in their work. Although access to technology is still a huge issue around the world, electronic means of storing and communicating information are getting more and more common in human rights organisations. However, Governments are also developing the capacity to manipulate, monitor and subvert electronic information. Surveillance and censorship is growing and the insecurity of digitally stored or communicated information is becoming a major problem for human rights defenders in some countries.

In response to requests from human rights defenders for support in this area Front Line has developed a manual on Digital Security and Privacy for Human Rights Defenders. In collaboration with the Tactical Technology Collective Front Line has also developed a package of tools and training materials called the NGO in a Box; Security Edition, see also Video on NGO in a Box Security Edition

Front Line has also organised training workshops for human rights defenders with experts in the field of digital security in Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Jordan (for Iraq and Syria) Russia (also for Central Asia), Tunisia (for the Middle East region), United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Other Resource Materials

Front Line Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Online Manual

This manual examines how Economic, Social and Cultural rights may be usefully, effectively and practically translated to the benefit of humankind.

Human Rights Defenders Fact Sheet

This Fact sheet is designed to provide Governments and a wide range of professionals who frequently come into contact with human rights defenders with a rapid understanding of what a “human rights defender” is and what activities defenders undertake. The document is also designed to support the right to defend human rights; to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders from any repercussions of their work; and to provide a tool for human rights defenders in conducting advocacy and training activities.

Front Line Civil and Political Rights Manual

This interactive manual is designed for human rights defenders working on Civil and Political Rights. It is designed to be used online, rather than as a printed document. It is a resource for all human rights defenders, including those who do not have a legal training.

New Tactics in Human Rights: A Resource for Practitioners

The New Tactics Workbook offers tactical innovations for those striving to advance human rights.

Human Wrongs, Human Rights: A guide to the human rights machinery of the United Nations

This guide will help NGOs, lawyers and individuals to find their way around the various human rights mechanisms of the United Nations.

UN and Regional Mechanisms for Human Rights Defenders

This guide describes regional UN programs in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The International Criminal Court - Information for Human Rights Defenders

Information on how to utilize the ICC and who to contact.

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Stress Management Questionnaire.pdf	52.92 KB