On 14 March 2025, IDRC announced that it is funding research to uphold fundamental democratic freedoms and address rising threats to peoples’ rights. The CAD4.13 million investment supports six projects across five regions:
Demonstrators in Kampala, Uganda, march in 2018 to draw attention to the murders, kidnappings and, activists claim, a lack of action by the police in response. Frederic Noy/Panos Pictures
The freedom to associate, participate in decision-making and express views is fundamental to democracy. Yet, in many countries around the world, these hard-won political and civil rights are being questioned and eroded through physical attacks, online intimidation, smear campaigns, digital surveillance and the lack of response from authorities when attacks occur. Legal and policy restrictions limit individual rights such as same-sex unions and reproductive health services while, increasingly, obstacles like funding bans and censorship are reducing the ability of people and organizations to contest these measures.
Research is needed to inform the strategies and actions of organizations, groups and movements that advocate for the respect for human rights. Research institutions, networks, and women’s rights and LGBTI+ organizations are leading IDRC-supported research to:
- understand what drives the erosion of rights in each context
- analyze the strategies used to counter these trends
- explore how to strengthen rights defenders, for example through alliance-building and cross-movement solidarity
- generate policy recommendations to safeguard rights
Read about the projects
Addressing gender discrimination and violence — focus on Eastern and Southern Africa
Defending against gender backlash: Strategies of resilience in Southeast Asia
Protecting LGBTIQ+ human rights movements and organizations in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador
Upholding rights at a time of global backlash: Strategies in the Middle East and North Africa
Fostering a solidarity network: Collective learning and action in support of gender equality
The six research projects are connected through a common research agenda aimed at producing insights across regions and globally.
https://idrc-crdi.ca/en/news/new-research-explores-how-defend-rights-hostile-context
This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.