NEWSLETTER DETAILS
News Briefs (September 2024)
Our News Briefs bring you the latest highlights from the advocacy efforts of APRRN and our members, as well as keeping you informed on upcoming events and activities. We strive to provide regular updates on the network’s activities and developments in the refugee protection sphere, alongside the emerging political climate in the Asia Pacific region. We welcome contributions from members! Please share your updates, information, or resources with Ali at msco@aprrn.org
On 3-4 September, Hafsar Tameesuddin, Co-Secretary General, visited Bangkok and had a series of meetings with their Co-Secretary General, Klaus Dik Nielsen, including with the Regional Bureau of UNHCR, UN Women, ESCAP and the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. They met new and established staff and provided updates on APRRN’s strategy and direction, learned about plans and initiatives and explored future possibilities of collaboration.
Lars Stenger, Network Coordinator, attended the Third quarterly informal briefing on the GCR , summary note, PowerPoint presentation and video recording can be accessed online (Briefings and meetings in 2024 | UNHCR). The briefing included updates from Japan and WHO mentioning Thailand "Health system review on inclusion of migrants and refugees". Guidelines for the progress reports on pledge implementation are planned to be shared in October 2024.
The APRRN secretariat participated in regional meetings including the UNHCR Inter-Agency Coordination Meeting on Situations in Myanmar and Afghanistan, the Quarterly Rohingya Advocacy Meeting, the Myanmar Protection meeting – implementation of the UNHCR Guidance Note on Myanmar, monthly meetings with CPD on efforts of the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration, as well as coordination with ICVA and APNOR. We attended the OHCHR-led “Regional Expert Consultation on Addressing Xenophobia in Asia and the Pacific” on 23rd September. Klaus chaired a session and provided input on behalf of members to representatives of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW) informing the drafting of A General Comment expected in mid-2025. Hafsar will also meet with the CERD Committee member in person in Geneva in November.
From 6-8 September, Hafsar joined a closed-door workshop in Kuala Lumpur, organised by APRRN, Beyond Border Malaysia, APHR and AJAR to strategise on a regional response to Rohingya and Myanmar. A press release was issued as an immediate outcome of the workshop in collaboration with the grassroots communities in Kuala Lumpur.
Hafsar participated in a series of interviews by The New Humanitarian, to co-produce a podcast on power shifts and meaningful refugee participation.
Ali Reza Yawari, APRRN’s Membership Support and Communications Consultant Presented at the SUAKA online webinar series on the topic of "Protecting Refugees Identified as Human Rights Defenders". He talked about how Youth Refugee leaders are the main advocates and defenders of human rights in the systems where their existence is denied, which puts them in the most vulnerable and risky positions. Watch Here
Additionally, Ali Reza Yawari attended a panel session at the Institute of Technology Bandung (ITB), where he emphasised the importance of collaboration and equitable partnerships in driving systemic change. He highlighted the crucial role of displaced youth in offering innovative solutions and stressed that when young voices are valued and connected, it leads to meaningful impact and sustainable progress.
APRRN’s Co-Secretaries General, Hafsar Tameesuddin, and Klaus Dik Nielsen spoke on day 3 of 'The SILP Learning Festival' on Shifting Power Dynamics Together' on Thursday 19 September. They reflected on how the co-leadership, between those with and without lived experience, is contributing to shifting power dynamics and meaningful refugee participation across the human rights sector - and the challenges and resistance that come with it. Read the SILP Learning Report Here & Watch the Recording of the Session Here
APRRN’s Co-Secretaries General, Hafsar, and Klaus met partners at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on 4 September 2024.
APRRN issued an urgent statement on 4 September calling on Malaysia`s Home Minister, to order exemption from arrest, and release children from Baitul Mahabbah and other immigration detention centres, into community-based programs. APRRN as quoted on detention numbers from a 2020 report in an article: Rethinking Malaysia's approach to refugee aid.
APRRN issued an urgent statement On 04 October 2024 on the Rohingya Crisis and the Need for Regional Protection. Read the Statement Here
AFGHANISTAN
APRRN continued its Information on Afghanistan website and Facebook page providing updated information on support available to those in Afghanistan or in transit, seeking information on legal pathways, education and employment opportunities, psychosocial services and migration news, available in Dari and English.
Rana and Khujesta (APRRN) started an online Legal Training with Afghan female lawyers on addressing domestic violence and SGBV through Islamic law, women and gender protection provisions.
INDONESIA:
Lars and Ali Reza facilitated a series of coordination meetings with Indonesia members collaborating in a response to 12,700 Refugees and Asylum Seekers facing desperate situation after UNHCR cut funding for financial support. One refugee is reported to have committed suicide in front of UNHCR office. APRRN member Cisarua Learning Ltd. Australia is raising funds to sustain at least some level of support towards shelter and food via JRS Indonesia, to support this effort please share.
APRRN provided background information to an article by Sydney Morning Herald and is engaging with members on fundraising efforts.
APRRN encouraged UNHCR and NGOs in stepping up preparedness to respond to the upcoming boat arrivals in Indonesia (expected between October-March) and engage with members to prepare for advocacy and narratives countering misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.
Malaysia:
APRRN’s Advocacy Course for 15 Refugee Leaders in Malaysia started on 7th September covering advocacy elements, strategies, and collaboration in Networks. The last session will be held on 5th October. The course is a collaboration of ReAct Malaysia, Mahidol University, Brian Barbour – Act for Peace, Asylum Access Malaysia, IDC Malaysia, COBEM and Geutanyoe Malaysia. Members in Indonesia expressed interest in a similar course for refugee leaders.
DIRECT SUPPORT TO RLOs
APRRN continued financial support to Refugee Led and Community Based Organisations in the region via sub-granting of funds, including to Bangladesh (RYI, YRD, RWEAN), India (R4R), Indonesia (RMCN/KontraS Aceh), Myanmar (RMCN/HFA) and Malaysia (SWAM).
APRRN continues to collect contributions to enable Refugees from Myanmar to attend University in Mizoram, India, so far, we were able to cover the enrollment costs for three refugees but seek further contributions to secure living costs. Please share our Fundraiser with your networks.
Members Spotlight!
EMPLACE is one of the few inclusive, refugee-led initiatives specialising in youth, focused on addressing the needs of refugees in Indonesia. EMPLACE's mission is to create a safe space that provides comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for youth to thrive and contribute to their communities regardless of their background. Through education, skills development, empowerment, community engagement, advocacy, and wellbeing and mental health support, EMPLACE aims to empower youth, promote social integration, and advocate for their rights and needs. EMPLACE also offers crucial support and opportunities for these young refugees, allowing them to participate in personal and professional development activities.
Although EMPLACE is still a relatively new organization, its founders and members have a long experience of involvement in refugee community services, volunteering, and advocacy, and are impressive leaders and contributors with lived experience of forced displacement. EMPLACE has great value in its approach to bringing together like-minded young people from different refugee communities for discussion and engagement, and increasing opportunities for young people through mentorship and community organising. As a refugee youth-led and youth-focused initiative, EMPLACE is looking to shift mindsets amongst young people and raise young people's expectations of what they can achieve for themselves. EMPLACE believes this is a much-needed area of work that is often neglected in the more traditional programming of organisations in the refugee space in the Asia Pacific.
ACTIONS AND NEWS FROM MEMBERS
Rana Ebrahimi, Chair of APRRN’s Youth Working Group and National Manager at the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network had an interview with community Radio Neshat about gender equality and women empowerment.
The Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR) announced the Opening of the Next Round of Funding for the Refugee Leadership Alliance Grant!
Cisarua Learning and JRS Indonesia are raising funds for shelter and food for refugees in Indonesia: It has come to our attention that, with very little warning, the UNHCR has removed funding for stipends of over 850 refugees in Indonesia. Another 350 of the ‘most vulnerable’ refugees will have their support removed in the New Year. This is a desperately difficult blow for individuals, some of whom have been stuck in an endless limbo for over ten years. Cisarua Learning has created a fund to support those refugees who have lost their stipends and we are asking for donors to help.
UPDATES from PILnet on the Legal Community Pledge 2023
SUAKA shares concern about INCREASING VULNERABILITY OF REFUGEES IN INDONESIA A RESULT OF THE TERMINATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, as well as about treatment of refugees by security guards.
News from the Region
Afghanistan:
UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Update
Research Brief on ‘Durable Solutions Analysis, Jalalabad/Nangarhar’
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation reported more than 30,000 Afghan refugees returned to their homeland in the last week, with about 2,500 returning from Pakistan, 190 from Türkiye and the remainder from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni told journalists that Iran plans to deport some 2 million undocumented foreigners in the next six months. Momeni called on undocumented Afghans to return home, and said Iran will no longer accept asylum seekers.
Gender apartheid in Afghanistan: Afghani judge Raihana Attaee had to flee her country when the Taliban returned to power and it became clear her life was in danger. Her escape was arranged by the International Association of Women Judges and, in October 2021, she flew first to Greece and later to New Zealand.
UN Human Rights Chief Urges Accountability to End Rights Abuses in Afghanistan, see also on UNTV: Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, says a comprehensive approach to accountability is needed to prevent the recurrence of human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan.
Three years since the fall of Kabul: Tracking displacement within and out of Afghanistan: Afghan refugees continue to face immense challenges, whether they are inside the country or abroad. Are the responses from Australia and other countries meeting the moment?
IRAN:
UNHCR Annual Report 2023 / Strategy 2024
'Treated Like Criminals': Iran Intensifies Deportation Of Afghans
Iran’s Interior Minister calls for undocumented Afghan refugees to return home: Iran’s minister of interior affairs, Eskandar Momeni, has once again called for the expulsion of undocumented Afghan refugees and said they should return to Afghanistan to help rebuild their country.
Iran plans to deport 2 million Afghan refugees: After years of economic crisis, Iranians' frustration is increasingly directed at Afghan migrants. Under pressure to act, the government has now announced plans to deport 2 million Afghan refugees in the coming months.
Pakistan:
UNHCR Annual Report 2023 / Strategy 2024
UNHCR, Afghan Returns from Pakistan 8 – 14 September 2024
Over 600 Afghan refugees deported from Pakistan in past week: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that in the past week, 625 Afghan refugees have returned to their country from Pakistan.
Indonesia:
Refugees and asylum-seekers live in urban settings in several cities in Indonesia: $13.6 million are urgently needed from January to December 2024 UNHCR 2024/2025 Strategy and pdf.
The Rights to Health for All: Is Indonesia Fully Committed to Protect Refugees and Asylum Seekers? Solidarity and ‘social jealousy’: emotions and affect in Indonesian host society’s situated encounters with refugees.
Refugees live in waiting under concerning conditions: Thousands of refugees in Indonesia have spent years awaiting resettlement. Their future is unclear.
Thailand:
UNHCR Annual Report 2023 / UNHCR Thailand Strategy
The Development of Amendments to the Immigration Law to Address Irregular Migration and the Population Shortage in an Aging Society: The Standing Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice, and Human Rights of the House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Thailand Migration Reform Consortium (TMR), organised a seminar on “The Development of Amendments to the Immigration Law to Address Irregular Migration and the Population Shortage in an Aging Society.”
Thai Court Grants Request for Extradition of Montagnard Activist to Vietnam: Y Quynh Bdap is wanted in connection with attacks on two government offices in the Central Highlands last year.
Thai MP Rome urges reform to fix Myanmar migration crisis, corruption: As Thailand faces a growing influx of refugees from Myanmar following the military coup, MP Rangsiman Rome, chair of the Thai House Committee on National Security and deputy leader of the People’s Party, emphasizes the need for urgent reform.
Trapped and Desperate: Help Rescue Pakistani Christians from Detention in Thailand: Royal Thai Immigration raided a local workplace in Charan Sait Worng, Bangkok, apprehending 15 illegal Pakistani Christian asylum seekers. The families of these arrested individuals urgently approached the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) for help in paying fines related to overstaying in Thailand. Without this assistance, the detainees would face the grim prospect of remaining in overcrowded criminal jails—a nightmare no one should endure.
UNHCR commended Thailand for withdrawing its reservation to Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which recognises that refugee children have the same rights as any other children under the CRC, including the rights to access education, healthcare, legal protection, family reunification and other essential services.
The CIVICUS Monitor has once again placed Thailand on its Watchlist of countries experiencing rapid declines in civic freedoms. This decision follows a series of alarming developments that highlight the ongoing repression of political opposition, activists, and human rights defenders in the country.
Malaysia:
MSF: Rohingya are at risk “wherever we go, whether Myanmar, Thailand, or Malaysia”: Even in exile in Malaysia, the Rohingya people continue to face hardships, including limited access to health care, employment, and education.
Ethnic Chin refugees in Malaysia accuse UN agency of mistreatment: Ethnic Chin refugees from Myanmar in Malaysia are accusing the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR of abuse and of not providing necessary protection, potentially putting lives at risk.
Malaysian PM set to visit Bangladesh on Friday: "We will discuss all issues and expect Malaysia, as an ASEAN member, to play an active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis"
India:
Shreehari Paliath, IndiaSpend, How A Rohingya Rape Survivor’s Abortion Became Legally Complicated, In her search for justice, a Rohingya asylum seeker had to deal with an unfamiliar criminal justice system in a country that does not have a protection framework for refugees and asylum seekers.
Indian border fence cutting off key supply route to Myanmar’s Sagaing: India extended invitations to Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, as well as to the Chin National Front, the Kachin Independence Army and the Arakan Army to attend a seminar by the government-funded Indian Council of World Affairs.
Held hostage: The next chapter in the Rohingya story of Asma Bibi: Far from being just a tale of past suffering, Asma’s ordeal seems to be an ongoing campaign of terror orchestrated by this dangerous figure.
Jharkhand: Activists File Complaint against Modi, Amit Shah, Others for Hate Speeches.
More than a dozen activists from the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha (JJM) have filed a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for making hate speeches against Muslims during the election rallies in Jharkhand.
More than 130 Rohingya refugees detained at a transit camp in India’s Assam state embarked on a hunger strike, demanding to be handed over to UNHCR for eventual resettlement in a third country. The group includes 103 Muslim Rohingya and 30 Christian Chin refugees from Myanmar, who remain in indefinite detention at Matia Transit Camp after serving their sentences for entering India without valid documentation.
India for Myanmar, The Plight of Myanmar Refugee Detainees in India: A SituationReport for the Peoples of India and Myanmar.
Myanmar refugees launch hunger strike, and seek transfer from Assam detention centre Several refugees have completed their jail sentences and want the Indian authorities to hand them over to the United Nations refugee agency.
Myanmar:
Thousands of young Rohingya men have fled to escape forced conscription by the military in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, while some 2,000 Rohingya refugees have been forcibly recruited from camps in Bangladesh.
Solving the Myanmar migrant surge: Currently, 156,000 displaced people reside in temporary shelters along the 2,400-kilometre-long border. This figure already includes 85,000 individuals living in nine border camps and 51,000 fleeing conflicts inside Myanmar. Furthermore, another 20,000 displaced persons have not registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
Rohingya refugees detail worsening violence in Rakhine: Rohingya refugee Syed fled Rakhine State for a second time last month after he was forced to fight alongside the military that drove his family out of their homeland in 2017.
A/HRC/57/56: Situation of human rights in Myanmar - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights - documenting patterns of human rights situation in conflict, issues of arrest and detention, use of torture, deaths in custody and enforced disappearances, sexual violence in detention, and violations related to condition in places of deprivation of liberty. It also analyses the current situation with regard to mental health and it makes concrete recommendations on how to address the concerns.
Behind the Wire: Impact of state of containment and exclusion strategies on the Rohingya.
Bangladesh:
Rohingya youth shot dead in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar camp, The 19-year-old was killed and five others injured in a gunfight between two Myanmar-based armed groups at a Ukhiya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar yesterday evening.
A Life in Shadows: The Struggles and Dreams of Transgender Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char: In the crowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, life is a constant struggle for survival in different aspects. For a small group of transgender Rohingya, these struggles are compounded by discrimination, humiliation, and a desperate fight for acceptance. Their journey, marred by hardship and resilience, reflects the broader challenges faced by many marginalized groups in crisis zones. This photo essay captures their lives, dreams, and the harsh realities they face daily.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) claimed Bangladesh’s border forces have pushed back thousands of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar since early August 2024. The number of Rohingya attempting to flee across the border has increased due to intense fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army, with some 18,000 refugees arriving in Bangladesh in recent months and a further 10,000 reportedly waiting at the border, according to HRW.
Rohingya crisis and regional powers, Myanmar and Bangladesh between China and India. The Rohingya crisis, which began in 2017 with the forced migration of over 700,000 Rohingya individuals from Myanmar to Bangladesh, continues to represent one of the most intricate humanitarian and geopolitical dilemmas in South and Southeast Asia. Bangladesh has been pivotal in offering sanctuary and addressing the challenges posed by this crisis; however, the engagement of regional powers such as China and India is essential for achieving a sustainable resolution. Both nations, possessing substantial geopolitical and economic stakes in Myanmar, have the potential to impact the situation but have thus far maintained a careful and strategic stance.
More Rohingya are arriving in Bangladesh, as Rakhine state burnsMany are renting accommodations outside the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar: Many new arrivals from Myanmar are renting accommodations outside the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Can West help Yunus deal with Rohingya crisis? Nearly a million Rohingya refugees have sought safety in Bangladesh after facing purges, discrimination and violence in Myanmar. Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, wants to see more of them resettled abroad.
Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh has pledged to fast-track third-country resettlement amid intensifying conflict in Myanmar Can Muhammad Yunus Support Rohingya Refugees? The interim leader of Bangladesh has pledged to fast-track third-country resettlement amid intensifying conflict in Myanmar. see also here
Australia:
Immigration detention's epidemic levels of self-harm paint Australia as a 'brutal outlier' among peers: From 2019-24 Home Affairs recorded a total of 2,670 incidents of self-harm or threatened self-harm, an average of 1.54 reported incidents every day. To house a detainee in detention costs the Australian government $428,542 per person, per year, over the 2020-21 financial year, compared to $54,798 in community detention.
Landmark settlements for children detained in Nauru: Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care.
Some can barely survive in Australia It grows this anger within people’: how Australia treats those fleeing humanitarian disaster depends on where they came from – and when.
Japan:
Japan grants special residency status on humanitarian grounds to 212 foreign children: The Immigration Services Agency said it granted special permission to stay in Japan to 212 foreign minors who did not have residence status and likely faced deportation.
Picture book shows life of teen stripped of residence status: An autobiographical essay by a Middle Eastern high school girl living in the Kanto region has been adapted into a picture book. “Watashi wa Jugosai” (15), who was released in late August, shows readers the world through the eyes of a 15-year-old in extraordinary circumstances.
Man whose video fueled anti-Kurd sentiment has ‘mixed feelings’: A man whose heavily edited news video led to a surge in animosity toward Kurds living in Japan said he was frustrated by vehicles driven by foreigners that were obstructing his work.
OTHER:
Mayors Migration Council (MMC), a coalition of over 250 mayors worldwide (incl. in Nepal, Philippines, Australia, NZ, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan) advancing global action on migration and displacement, announced today a bold new Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action focused on economic inclusion for urban migrants and refugees. 2025 plans include:
- Advocacy: Assemble a coalition of global mayors to shape international economic policies affecting migrants and refugees.
- Action: Launch a new funding window within the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees to back city-led inclusion projects.
New archive of oral histories re LGBTQI+ forced displacement gives visibility to the experiences of LGBTIQ+ forced displacement.
How to end tokenism and embrace real refugee participation: Both simple actions and profound changes are needed to move past lip service and create more equitable responses to forced displacement.
Gender equality is grinding to a halt — or worse, sliding backward — in nearly 40% of countries, leaving 860 million women and girls stuck in places ranked “very poor” for economic well-being, education, and health, according to the SDG Gender Index by Equal Measures 2030. Tracking 139 countries across 56 indicators, the index found that not a single nation is on track to meet the 2030 gender equality goals. Not one! Afghanistan takes the crown for the steepest decline, with more than 70 laws enacted since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, essentially erasing women from public life. The report also found that more countries moved backward on gender equality between 2019 and 2022 than in the previous four years, jumping from 10 to 17. At this rate, global gender equality won’t be achieved for nearly a century, with ripple effects that could mess with 74% of the SDG targets.
Reports & Publications
UNHCR issues latest guidance against penalization of asylum-seekers for irregular entry ... GUIDANCE
Asylum Access 5 Podcasts to Learn More About Forced Displacement
Podcasts are a powerful storytelling format and a great way to learn more about the topics that matter to you most. We have put together a list of five podcasts (as well as a few bonus podcasts!) to help you learn more about forced displacement and the different perspectives of the people who have experienced it.
RRLI - RLO Funding report
‘A fair and fast asylum process for Australia: Lessons from Switzerland’ and policy brief.
NEW REPORT: Destinies Under Detention: A Case for the Right to Dignity & Humane Treatment of Rohingya Refugees in India
Take part in the Global Solidarity Run, When: Saturday 19 October - What: 5km walk or run - Wear something blue. Register for AUSTRALIA
or email: Globalrun2024@sanctuaryrunners.ie
You can register for the Virtual stakeholder consultation for the 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Review of Implementation of the Global Compact on Migration, 30 October 2024, 11.00-14.00, Bangkok time
Alternatives to Detention (ATDs) Thematic Workstream of the Regional UN Network on Migration for Asia and the Pacific, (IDC, IOM, OHCHR, UNHCR, and UNICEF) invite you to the online advocacy training focused on ‘ATD Advocacy Training: How Civil Society Can Leverage UN Human Rights Mechanisms Towards Ending Immigration Detention in the Asia Pacific Region’, on 15h00 – 16h30 (UTC+7) on Tuesday 5 November. Focus: CEDAW, practical information on the mechanism and how civil society can effectively engage with the system.
The PILnet Global Forum is set for Bangkok, Thailand, on November 12-14. This three-day event will feature workshops, networking opportunities, and discussions on how the law can support civil society. This year, it will also run alongside the 2024 Access to Justice Exchange (A2JX). Sessions relevant to forced displacement include:
- Legal Pathways to Financial Inclusion: Breaking the Bankless Cycle for Refugees and Stateless People
- Weathering the Storm: Climate, Displacement, and Pro Bono in Asia Pacific
- Unlocking Pro Bono Solutions for People in Immigration Detention
- Empowering Vulnerable Clients: Best Practices for Pro Bono Lawyers
APRRN/Members’ Job Vacancies
Musawi is hiring!
1. Senior Researcher (full-time + Lahore office)
- Minimum qualification: Bachelors degree and 2 years relevant experience
- Demonstrated research background and experience evidenced by publications (reports, policy briefs, etc)
- Competitive salary package & benefits.
2. Legal Associate (full-time + Lahore office)
- Minimum qualification: Bachelors of Law
- Legal research / drafting experience preferred
- Competitive salary package & benefits
Deadline for applications: 19th October 2024 contact: info@musawi.org
Funding opportunities
Institute for Equality in Development Innovation - Generations: Global Grant Program, offering funding for students with ideas to (1) Prevent Child and Youth Abuse (2) Support Survivors-Of-Abuse. The next Deadline is 2nd November
Front Line Defenders – Protection Grants: Arabic, English, French, Russian, and Spanish
Grants of up to €7,500 to support the physical, digital, legal, and medical security of human rights defenders at risk.
Freedom House – Lifeline Emergency Assistance Fund
Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Russian, and Spanish
To apply, contact info@csolifeline.org and let them know how we can contact you securely before sending sensitive information. To apply by PGP/GPG encrypted email (recommended), please use their public key at the end of the website.
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation – Crisis Response Fund
Funding up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for groups to protect civic freedoms or engage in resilience-building activities.
FIDH - International Federation for Human Rights - Grant application for human rights defenders at risk. English, Spanish, and French. Emergency financial support for human rights defenders facing risks, covering legal, physical, and digital security needs.
Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism – Security Grant
English, Arabic, Russian (and all others with potential delays)
Grants of up to $8,000 for women, trans, and non-binary led organizations to respond to urgent security threats.
ProtectDefenders.eu – Emergency Grants
Funds for Human Rights Organisations Urgent financial support for human rights defenders in danger, covering evacuation, legal assistance, and medical support.
Open Technology Fund – Rapid Response Fund
Provides rapid financial support for mitigating digital threats and addressing censorship events for activists, NGOs, and journalists.
Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s India Fund Program 2024 (12,000 – 35,000 USD)
Amount: ₹10,00,000 to ₹30,00,000
Deadline: Rolling application cycle. Applications are assessed biannually in March & October. Duration: 1 to 2 years
The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) provides a range of grants via its LIFELINE: THE EMBATTLED CSO ASSISTANCE FUND, including:
- short-term emergency assistance to CSOs threatened because of their human rights work
- Lifeline rapid response advocacy grants give local CSOs the resources to push back against restrictions on civic space
- Lifeline resiliency grants are meant to provide support to CSOs at high risk to avoid or mitigate the threats they face
ICNL accepts applications for advocacy support and resiliency support on a rolling basis. A preliminary application for Lifeline support may be found here (as a form) or here (as a Word document)
Deadline: ongoing
The Asia Foundation's mission is to improve lives, expand on opportunities, and help societies flourish across a dynamic and developing Asia. Their programs address critical issues affecting Asia in the 21st century - governance and law, economic development, women's empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation. In addition, their Books for Asia and professional exchange programs are among the ways.
Deadline: ongoing
In 2001, Front Line Defenders launched its Protection Grants programme to provide timely and efficient financial assistance to human rights defenders at risk. Protection Grants can pay for provisions to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders and their organisations, including, but not limited to: (1) improving physical security of an organisation or individual, digital security.
Grants from Avery Dennison Foundation
Deadline: ongoing
The Avery Dennison Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Avery Dennison manufacturing company that leads community outreach projects and programs in those countries where Avery Dennison employees live and work. The Foundation’s vision is to inspire human promise toward a more intelligent and sustainable world. Regardless of geography, all the grants they award will extend their strategic giving.