In a number of instances, HRDs reported that, when they refused to cease their work, they were forced to go abroad, because of violence, legal harassment or threats against their families. Driven into exile, in some cases HRDs have then been denied their right to return. For some governments it appears to be an emerging strategy to force domestic critics abroad: because no explicit repression occurs, such governments avoid international criticism and at the same time undermine domestic human rights work.

“I was imprisoned without charge after writing a letter to the IMF asking them to impose conditions on aid. I was called an enemy of the Republic. I was told I would be arrested for fraud and detained for 6-8 months and involved in a Kafka-esque set of procedures. A bank was to be a witness against me but declared it had no evidence. The US Ambassador took up my case and was reassured by an Adviser that I would be sentenced to a one year suspended sentence – before the trial concluded! Finally I was allowed out and given every opportunity to leave the country. After I left, my name was vilified and I was accused of fleeing abroad. Eventually I decided to return and was asked by the border police why I wanted to do so. ‘Because I live here,’ I said. ‘I have a house here.’ I was charged with slandering the President and prevented from travelling for six months. No charge; simply a refusal to let me travel. I was eventually told that I would be freed if I recognised the sovereignty of the state. My question now is: Will I be arrested again if I go home. All this has made me ill, but I was not aware of it until the question of stress was discussed at this conference."

HRD, Congo Brazzaville