When safe return is not possible
In some cases, human rights defenders (and their families) may not be able to return after the completion of the programme due to risk and insecurity in their home country. If a safe return is not possible, what are the alternatives for defenders, and possibly their families? For some, seeking asylum or third country pathways may be the only viable and safe option. Another possibility is extending the fellowship, or finding a place on a different fellowship scheme within your network or the wider protection ecosystem. Some programmes have funding available, or may be able to secure new funding, to provide additional temporary or emergency support for defenders who are not able to return.
For defenders who choose to seek asylum, the process is often both complex and hostile. Decisions can take months or even years. The realities of the asylum process and refugee status should be made clear, and it might be helpful for this advice to come from others who have been through the process rather than university staff. One long-term programme, where the majority of participants claim asylum, encourages defenders to save money from the start for an uncertain future.
Some universities may need to distance themselves from the asylum process whilst others may not have the necessary expertise or the resources to help. However, some universities have supported asylum cases through student / law clinics. Where a university is unable to offer assistance, could defenders be directed to relevant NGOs or alternative communities of support where there are others in a similar situation?
“The Fellowship has had a significant impact on my current situation in terms of work and my future pathway. It allowed me to step back from dealing with the immediate impact of the Nicaraguan situation and consider the possibility of rebuilding my work from another angle. The Fellowship has given me the space and the opportunity to make clearer decisions and to move into the wider regional role that I am currently in. I have been able to put into practice so many of the things that I learned – from better protection mechanisms, how to conduct advocacy at an international level and how to look after my wellbeing – in my new regional role.”
“The Fellowship made me realise that devoting time free of stress and constant confrontation with oppressing systems to focus on your healing and professional development pays back with new opportunities and ways of contributing to promoting and protecting human rights. Although I was not able to continue my national LGBTI+ rights activism for much longer upon my return to Belarus after the Fellowship due to the increasing persecution and intimidation… I continued growing professionally by receiving a master’s degree in International Relations in Ireland and working with various regional and international human rights networks and organisations, including the one I am now working with, a London-based international LGBTI+ rights organisation. Considering how traumatic and unsafe human rights work can be, it was a life-changing experience to shift my focus and efforts towards other countries and regions. It helped me find the strength not to give up and stay active in the cause.”