New research explores how to defend rights in a hostile context

IDRC is funding research to uphold fundamental democratic freedoms and address rising threats to peoples’ rights. The CAD5.2 million investment supports seven projects across five regions.
Ugandans demonstrating in Kampala hold up posters of women who have been kidnapped and murdered.
Frederic Noy/Panos Pictures
Demonstrators in Kampala, Uganda, march in 2018 to draw attention to the murders, kidnappings and, activists claim, a lack of action by the police in response.

The freedom to associate, participate in decision-making and express views is fundamental to democracy. Yet, in many countries around the world, these hard-won political and civil rights are being questioned and eroded through physical attacks, online intimidation, smear campaigns, digital surveillance and the lack of response from authorities when attacks occur. Legal and policy restrictions limit individual rights such as same-sex unions and reproductive health services while, increasingly, obstacles like funding bans and censorship are reducing the ability of people and organizations to contest these measures. 

Research is needed to inform the strategies and actions of organizations, groups and movements that advocate for the respect for human rights. Research institutions, networks, and women’s rights and LGBTI+ organizations are leading IDRC-supported research to:

  • understand what drives the erosion of rights in each context 
  • analyze the strategies used to counter these trends 
  • explore how to strengthen rights defenders, for example through alliance-building and cross-movement solidarity
  • generate policy recommendations to safeguard rights 

Read about the projects

Addressing gender discrimination and violence — focus on Eastern and Southern Africa

Defending against gender backlash: Strategies of resilience in Southeast Asia

Enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights and gender equality in Sierra Leone and Liberia

Protecting LGBTIQ+ human rights movements and organizations in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador

Strengthening the capacities of social movements led by women in Latin America and the Caribbean

Upholding rights at a time of global backlash: Strategies in the Middle East and North Africa

Fostering a solidarity network: Collective learning and action in support of gender equality

The seven research projects are connected through a common research agenda aimed at producing insights across regions and globally.

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