On March 7, during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, ISHR co-hosted a vital side-event focusing on the dual nature of technology in relation to human rights defenders. This gathering brought together defenders, State representatives, and NGOs to discuss the complexities of emerging technologies that can either aid or hinder defenders in their missions.
While emerging technologies serve as powerful tools for elevating the voices of human rights defenders, they also present significant risks to their safety and the broader enjoyment of human rights. The session featured a panel specifically addressing these challenges, with defenders in the digital rights space voicing their distinct needs for protection.
Moderated by Ulises Quero from ISHR, the panel included speakers such as Carla Vitoria from the Association for Progressive Communication and Lucía Gómez Vicente from the Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems. H.E. Ambassador Tormod C. Endresen of Norway provided opening remarks, and Gerald Kankya from the Business and Human Rights Resources Centre contributed a thought-provoking video message.
Regrettably, many defenders from local organisations were barred from attending due to visa issues and recent funding cuts, highlighting the financial barriers imposed by the UN that stifled remote participation.
Carla Vitoria underscored the dangerous intersections of digital authoritarianism and offline violence. She highlighted how surveillance and misinformation are weaponised to silence defenders, particularly impacting vulnerable groups like LGBTQIA+ activists facing threats of corrective rape. Such tactics serve as retaliation against those defending rights and freedoms.
Nancy Awad pointed towards the paradox of digital spaces: although they enhance the outreach of defenders and help document violations, rising authoritarian regimes employing surveillance and censorship overshadow these benefits. She cited Palestinian activists who are wrongly designated as terrorists and suffer significant online and offline repercussions.
Gerald Kankya’s video message detailed various digital avenues through which defenders are targeted and the often ineffective responses from States and tech companies. He specifically mentioned Safaricom’s role in suppressing youth protests in Kenya by sharing sensitive information with the government.
Kankya also noted alarming statistics, revealing that African governments spend over one billion US dollars annually on digital surveillance technologies—often in violation of fundamental rights.
Lucía Gómez addressed the historical trends of attacks against justice-seekers and suggested a balance between recognising the dangers of technology while leveraging its potential for human rights work. She advocated for a human-centered approach in policy-making that incorporates sustained mechanisms for supporting defenders.
The timing of this event was critical, coinciding with an open letter from 197 organisations urging strong State resolutions to protect human rights defenders in the digital landscape.
Panelists expressed the need for resolutions to encapsulate human considerations in technology, identify gaps, ensure tailored risk knowledge, and bolster local capacity-building. Moreover, the resolution should address needs arising in conflict situations and affirm the responsibilities of businesses under international law towards human rights advocates.
ISHR also showcased testimonies from defenders at RightsCon 2025, calling for a resolution that comprehensively covers hate speech, misinformation, access to information, and principles of international law including a focus on gender and queer perspectives.
This side event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous organisations, emphasising the collective commitment to safeguarding human rights defenders in an increasingly digital world.
The ISHR side event on March 7 discussed the complex relationship between technology and human rights defenders, exploring both its empowering and threatening aspects. Key speakers highlighted the risks posed by digital authoritarianism, the need for protective resolutions, and the responsibilities of governments and businesses. The event emphasized the necessity for tailored measures to support defenders in the digital landscape, amidst rising censorship and violence.
In summary, the recent ISHR side event underscored the dual-edged nature of technology for human rights defenders. While technology offers enhanced capabilities for outreach and documentation, it also exposes defenders to significant risks and challenges, particularly under authoritarian regimes. Calls for a robust resolution highlight the urgent need for tailored protections and the acknowledgement of the specific needs of affected communities. Ultimately, the conversation drives towards establishing safer digital environments that protect rather than endanger human rights defenders and their vital work.
Original Source: ishr.ch
