U.S. and EU set to foster cooperation on protecting human rights defenders online

Washington and Brussels "firmly condemn" the misuse of technology by both state and non-state actors to target human rights defenders globally, according to a joint U.S.- EU statement, which was released ahead of today's high level gathering in the Washington area of U.S. cabinet officials and European commissioners, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We reaffirm that all human rights and fundamental freedoms apply both online and offline...  States should work to prevent attacks against human rights defenders and bring perpetrators of attacks to justice," reads the statement.

The aurhors recal that according to the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by consensus by UN members, states "shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration". 

The U.S. and the EU "are deeply concerned by the rapid growth of online threats against human rights defenders and the ongoing contraction of civic space around the world," according to the statement.

The authors go on to add, "human rights defenders continue to face threats and attacks, including arbitrary or unlawful online surveillance, censorship, harassment, smear campaigns, disinformation to include gendered disinformation, targeted Internet shutdowns, and doxing. Online attacks often pave the way for physical human rights violations and abuses, including beatings, killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention."

The statement also takes aim at the responsibilities of Big Tech, and includes commitment to countering spyware proliferation and promoting accountability for companies involved.

"We urge companies to prevent the misuse of their products and platforms, conduct due diligence, take effective action to address all forms of online violence and unlawful or arbitrary surveillance against human rights defenders...," it reads. "We also support stronger accountability for technology platforms and recognize the role of government to enhance online safety, security and privacy."

Washington and Brussels will continue to support mechanisms, including the Digital Defenders Partnership, the Lifeline Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, and ProtectDefenders.EU that provide resources for at-risk HRDs and civil society organizations, including for preventing digital attacks and for supporting digital security needs.

In the framework of today's Trade and Technology Council's meeting in Maryland, both sides committed to expanding cooperation and mutual learning between U.S.- and EU-funded emergency mechanisms and the broader community of practice, with the goal of expanding the beneficial impact of these resources for human rights defenders worldwide.

They also committed to fostering cooperation through their missions around the globe. "U.S. Embassies and EU Delegations play an instrumental role in monitoring developments and conducting joint outreach on issues surrounding human rights defenders' protection," according to the statement.

"The U.S. and the EU stand ready to engage with government partners to strengthen and support their national efforts, including capacities and institutions, to prevent and address threats against human rights defenders," it reads.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.