ProtectDefenders.eu

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You have a right to defend people and their rights

ProtectDefenders.eu is the European Union human rights defenders mechanism, led by a consortium of 12 non-governmental organisations that support people exercising their human rights. ILGA World has proudly been part of this consortium since it began in 2015.

If you are a human rights defender at risk as a result of your work, ProtectDefenders.eu exists to support you.

Each situation and case are different, and so is the help that ProtectDefenders.eu can mobilise depending on what works best for your case. An emergency grant may cover physical security measures, emergency relocation, legal aid, medical costs, or family support. Political and advocacy support, as well as other forms of non-monetary support, are also available.

  • Emergency support

    Human rights defenders facing immediate risk can contact ProtectDefenders.eu through the 24/7 emergency helpline. LGBTI-friendly protection officers are available and speak English, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian.

    Contact the helpdesk

  • Emergency grants

    Consortium partners deliver grants for human rights defenders in need of urgent protection measures. As each case is different, so are the grants.

    Explore the emergency grants

  • Temporary relocation

    ProtectDefenders.eu can help human rights defenders temporarily relocate away from risk, with the support of host entities from all over the world.

    Explore temporary relocation options

  • Capacity strengthening

    If you are a human rights group or community in need of organisational support, ProtectDefenders.eu will assess your request and guide you through the support channels available throughout the mechanism.

    Explore organisational support

  • The Shelters Initiative

    Through its Shelter Initiatives programme, ProtectDefenders.eu increases the capacity of shelters to temporarily relocate human rights defenders at risk, both locally and regionally.

    The Consortium provides direct material and financial support to new and emerging shelter programmes, shares advice and expertise, and facilitates knowledge-sharing between similar initiatives.

    Explore the Shelter Initiatives

  • Advocacy and monitoring

    ProtectDefenders.eu constantly monitors the situation of human rights defenders on the ground and advocates for their protection at all levels, coordinating between activists, EU institutions, and multilateral forums.

    How we raise awareness

Latest news about civil society and human rights defenders

Five adults of diverse backgrounds are pictured in individual photos, including group and solo shots. Some people are smiling, and one holds a Progress Pride flag
  • Press releases & statements
  • Stories

5 August 2026

2026 International Pride Awards honour five LGBTIQ+ equality champions at WorldPride Amsterdam

The awardees are South African deputy minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, the human rights organisation COC Nederland, long-standing activist Marcela Dimonty from Chile, Ugandan trans pastor Aggie Dennett Harmon, and the disability rights advocate and LGBTIQ+ ally Dr Satendra Singh from India

Read more →
A close-up of a person with dark hair and a beard, wearing a yellow short, and posing outdoors in front of a hedge full of yellow flowers
  • Press releases & statements

28 July 2026

Amrou Al-Kadhi to host 2026 International Pride Awards ceremony at WorldPride Amsterdam

The British-Iraqi writer, filmmaker, and performer also known as Glamrou will host the ceremony during the Human Rights Conference at WorldPride Amsterdam

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A person is turning their back to the camera and holds an intersex-inclusive Progress Pride flag
  • Press releases & statements

1 March 2026

International Pride Awards 2026: UNDP and ILGA World honour global LGBTIQ+ equality heroes

This global initiative celebrates heroes driving LGBTIQ+ equality and positive change. Submit your nominations starting 17 March 2026

Read more →
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