Rest & Respite

The purpose of Front Line Defenders Rest & Respite Programme is to enable human rights defenders to take some time out and to recharge their batteries in a safe environment while at the same time enhancing their skills so that they can work more effectively when they return home.

The programme has a flexible approach and tries to respond to the needs of the HRD. Some human rights defenders are hosted in Ireland, others choose a destination closer to home, where they have a particular interest or existing contacts. It is generally for short stays ranging from one week to three months.

Human rights defenders can take some well-earned rest and escape the stressful and difficult circumstances in which they work for a short time. They can focus exclusively on their health and well-being or spend some quality time with their family. They can also choose to work on a specific project, learn about digital security or improve other skills relevant to their work.

Rest & Respite opportunities are offered on an invitation-only basis.

"This programme is great for women human rights activists who have been subjected to stressful, tense and often dangerous and threatening situations in their work."
- HRD, Afghanistan, Rest & Respite Programme

"Before the support, I had serious burnout caused by the stress from my work, especially from a domestic violence case I was working on when I was attacked and my computer and phones taken.  I had a constant headache and was very stressed, but I'm feeling well again and am back to work."
- HRD, Cameroon, Rest & Respite Programme