NATIONAL ACTION 3: Raise awareness of the rights of Human Rights Defenders • Recall that any person can be an HRD and that there is a common interest and responsibility in protecting human rights. Remind your audience that anyone and everyone can, and must, contribute to the fulfilment of human rights, including by respecting and supporting the work of HRDs. • Tell the story of the HRD, don’t let your narrative be a response to your (or their) opponents. • Motivate your audience to engage by mentioning the better tomorrow that is sought and the better today that has been achieved thanks to human rights work. • Know the aspirations, grievances, needs and hopes of your target audiences. Tailor your message accordingly. • Ensure that your message can provide clear answers to the following questions: • What are your values?: Focus on universal values (justice, peace, freedom) that align with the idea that human rights exist as a recognition of the inherent dignity of every human being. • What is your vision?: Motivate your audience by helping them picture how much better the world can be. • What problems are you seeking to solve?: Delineate a clear, tangible and specific problem. Using broad terms can make it seem as if grand, unstoppable forces are at play, which will in turn alienate most people from trying to help. If safe, name those responsible. • What’s your solution and what do you need to succeed? Be clear about what specific steps can be taken at different levels to achieve change. Never make the amount of work look too daunting. Remind people that they do have the power to make a difference • Lead by example and ensure that your institution actually guides itself by the principles it preaches. Projects related to specific groups (such as women or indigenous peoples) should be led or at least chiefly guided by people belonging to the group. • Link the term “human rights” with positive concepts, rather than with the negative ones it is usually associated with (crimes, violations, war). C. Develop specific campaigns about HRD rights Your NHRI can encourage public awareness and acceptance of the right to defend rights, that working as an HRD is a legitimate way to demand policy changes, and that neither the government nor private entities should hinder their work. As discussed in National Action 2, awareness-raising campaigns and advocacy programs should be developed taking into consideration the risks faced by and needs of WHRDs. i. Awareness-raising on the needs and situation of HRDs NHRI’s legitimacy, access and resources provide useful leverage that can be used to support HRDs when negotiating with governments or businesses. There is a pressing need to adopt a preventive approach regarding the rights of HRDs. This implies engaging with stakeholders and informing them of their obligations and responsibilities towards HRDs, so they conduct themselves in accordance with international standards. Such campaigns can include resources, such as the Centre for Justice and International Law’s and Protection International’s report regarding effective public policies for the right to defend human rights, destined to improve protection policies.38 Your NHRI could use this report or produce similar ones for discussions with government agencies, motivating them to adopt or improve their protection programmes. 38 https://www.protectioninternational.org/en/%C2%A1-time-now-%E2%80%93-effective-public-policies-right-defendhuman-rights 23