Conclusion

Digital threats to human rights defenders (HRDs) have reached a crisis point, fueled by rising authoritarianism and cuts to foreign aid. Among their greatest vulnerabilities is a fragmented and uncoordinated support ecosystem that leaves HRDs exposed to digital threats from powerful adversaries. The path forward requires establishing sustainable, long-term funding as a top priority and empowering HRDs with practical education to help them understand and navigate their unique risks.

The challenges facing these organizations are clear: They are targeted by sophisticated state actors and cybercriminals while struggling with limited time and resources. This report concludes that addressing these challenges requires more than just new tools but a fundamental shift toward building and sustaining the support ecosystem they rely on.

Ultimately, investing in this trusted support infrastructure is a direct investment in the safety, resilience, and efficacy of human rights defenders everywhere. Their ability to protect freedom of expression and political opposition is foundational to the survival of democracies around the world. Ensuring their voices can participate and remain secure online needs to be a priority for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide.