Championing the vulnerable

Chanu Peiris on how human rights defenders are resisting authoritarian repression

The World Today Published 3 August 2018 Updated 10 November 2020 3 minute READ

Chanu Peiris

Assistant Director, International Law Programme

The rise of populist politics and authoritarianism has disrupted the traditionaldynamics of international cooperation on human rights. Against this backdrop, socially progressive civil society groups – those who work towards the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights – are increasingly facing state repression, even in established democracies.

Nevertheless, a number of trends – such as the use of technology to encourage public engagement and the innovative use of partnerships across sectors – provide an opportunity for these organizations to engage strategically on human rights issues.

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