Safety and security
Even after relocation there may still be risks to the safety and security of the human rights defenders you are hosting. This may stem from the defenders’ home countries, from the host community, or from risks on campus.
Risk during relocation
Risk at home – defender activities or political developments may enhance risk at home for the defender’s organisation or their family, or for the defender on their return.
Risk in the host community – can come in the form of racism, political factions or transnational repression in exile communities, from agents within these communities or via online threats and harassment.
Risk on campus – arguments and tension with other defenders on the programme, conflict with student groups, and data stored by the university may compromise security on campus.
Whilst some defenders may not wish for their presence in the host country to be visible, others may take the opportunity to increase their visibility, which could enhance their security or increase risk. It is important to note that risk situations and the preferences of hosted defenders can change during the course of the relocation. Programme staff should have early conversations with defenders about security, and continuously assess this in dialogue with the individual defender.
Programmes should consider what measures they need to take to ensure the protection of privacy, and whether any reporting requirements might impact security and / or privacy. For example, will the university require the programme to report on defenders’ activities and whereabouts, and how much information will funders require?
A core element of training on relocation programmes is security training, which is important for defenders both on the programme and in their subsequent work. For example, training on digital footprints will alert defenders to how technology may be used to monitor them.
Universities’ safeguarding policies and procedures may provide helpful advice on where to find more support.
Safety and Security
Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship, University of Dundee
Prior to arrival, the team works with defenders and nominating organisations to prepare support and protection plans. Each plan is individual, evolving and focused on long-term protection. Communication is via Signal and secure email, avoiding language (human rights defenders, risk, protection, etc.) which could pose any risks. The protection process includes:
Full needs assessment.
Briefing documents on country and / or thematic risk.
Emergency protocol which details check-in procedures and advocacy plans in case of various scenarios.
A security plan for travel.
Discussion of the challenges and risks of a safe return.
Protection planning around visibility and risk whilst on relocation.
Full in-person security training.
If there are urgent digital security needs, Front Line Defenders are contacted and regional online support can be offered.
Key providers of specialist security training
Open Briefing – safety and security, digital and information security, wellbeing and resilience
Tactical Tech – digital security
Protection International – security and protection
Kamara Global – risk management, security
More information
More information Experiences of racism in the host country have been documented by scholars on relocation programmes in the US: 38 Paradise Road, Being an African francophone refugee scholar in American academia and: Gay in Nigeria, black male in America.