NATIONAL ACTION 3: Raise awareness of the rights of Human Rights Defenders Information is key for the effective enjoyment of human rights. With proper information about our own rights, we know what we can demand to be respected and fulfilled; with proper information about the rights of others we know how to respect and promote those rights. This situation is no different in the case of HRDs. Not all State agents are aware of the UN Declaration on HRDs and their obligations with regards to it. Similarly, not all people who defend human rights are aware of the rights contained in the Declaration. Further, enhanced understanding about the legitimate work of HRDs can support their work and increase its impact. For example, work by HRDs often involves an intention to influence decision-making at high levels, with political pressure becoming an indispensable tool to obtain tangible results. Political influence can seldom be achieved without support and awareness. Critically, a lack of public support for HRDs can also affect their safety and integrity. A negative attitude towards HRDs can motivate attacks, and the lack of attention and public outrage towards these violations can motivate impunity.31 This section will examine what actions your NHRI can take to raise awareness of the rights of HRDs both internally (within your institution) and externally (with the public). A. Mainstream HRD rights in NHRI promotion activities In order to promote the rights of HRDs externally, it is necessary that their situation is well known and mainstreamed within the institution itself. i. Mainstreaming HRD rights inside your NHRI In this context, mainstreaming refers to ensuring that considerations about the rights and protection needs of HRDs are present across the various elements of work you carry out, and that such considerations are not siloed, or isolated from other considerations. As is elaborated in National Action 4 below, your NHRI could designate an HRD Focal Point who could assist to ensure that issues relevant to HRDs are mainstreamed across the entire institution. Your HRD Focal Point, or whatever agency you designate to lead on promoting the rights of HRDs in your NHRI, could have the following functions:32 • Serve as a consultant for processes within the NHRI to mainstream the perspectives of HRDs. • Monitor the work of the NHRI and advise on different ways in which elements relevant to HRDs can be further considered across the NHRI. • Collect, analyse, and translate knowledge to the broader NHRI about HRDs and their rights. • Serve as a contact point and training hub for organisations and other NHRIs by providing training programmes for staff on HRDs. ii. Mainstreaming the role of HRDs in campaigns and communications on different thematic issues Mainstreaming the role of HRDs in external communications involves incorporating a HRD element in various communications materials and campaigns, even when they are not specifically focused on HRDs. The crossover is clear - as HRDs are fundamental in the promotion and protection of rights and the rule of law. Furthermore, active participation of HRDs working on the relevant theme can provide valuable input to your work, and their participation in campaigns can serve to increase the effectiveness of the 31 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58a1a2bb9f745664e6b41612/t/5f7eddb62c1737355da32499/1618482603792/Policy+Brief+9+%28English%29.pdf p.5 32 https://www.humanrights.dk/sites/humanrights.dk/files/media/document/Lorion%20Defining%20GHRFPs%20-%20 DIHR%202021%20Final.pdf p.58 21