Terms of Reference (ToR) for Research Report: “Activists at Risk”
Background
Attacks against activists and journalists have become increasingly severe threats to open governance and civil society globally. The dangers faced are not limited to physical violence but extend to harassment, stigmatization, detention, defamation, and legal intimidation. Recent data underscores the urgency of addressing these threats:
– Human Rights Defenders: Latin America was the most perilous region, accounting for 85% of recorded activist killings in 2017.
– Journalists: Afghanistan, India, Mexico, and the United States were identified as the most dangerous countries for journalists.
– Non-State Actors: Organised crime, armed groups, and international companies have targeted activists and journalists, leading to unprecedented levels of violence and harassment.
The spectrum of threats encompasses:
– Harassment: Asset seizures, travel bans, and online threats.
– Stigmatization: Labelling under restrictive laws and political intimidation.
– Detention: Large-scale detentions and arbitrary arrests.
– Defamation and Legal Intimidation: SLAPPs and chilling effects of defamation laws.
– Criminalisation: Restrictions on association, protest, and criminalisation of legal services.
– Violence: Killings of activists and journalists despite existing protections.
Purpose of the Report
The research report titled “Activists at Risk” aims to:
– Provide an in-depth overview of the various threats faced by activists and journalists in 2023 and 2024.
– Highlight and analyse recent patterns and cases of these threats.
– Investigate the roles of state and non-state actors in perpetuating these threats.
– Include interviews with activists to offer firsthand perspectives.
– Assess current measures and responses for protecting activists and journalists.
– Offer actionable recommendations for enhancing protection mechanisms and advocacy efforts.
Structure and Focus
The report should be structured as follows:
Introduction
– Overview of the report’s scope and objectives.
– Definitions and key concepts related to threats against activists and journalists.
Background and Context
– Historical context of threats to activists and journalists.
– Overview of global and regional trends in 2023 and 2024.
Types of Threats
– Physical Violence: Analysis of killings and attacks.
– Harassment: Case studies on asset seizures, travel bans, and online threats.
– Stigmatization: Impact of labelling laws and political rhetoric.
– Detention: Examples of arbitrary detentions and arrests under emergency laws.
– Defamation and Legal Intimidation: Analysis of SLAPPs and defamation laws.
– Criminalisation: Restrictions on protest, association, and legal services.
Case Studies (Example)
– Detailed examination of a specific incident in Latin America.
– Analysis of threats faced by journalists in Afghanistan.
– Examples from India and Mexico.
– Instances of asset seizure and travel bans in Turkey.
– Stigmatization and vilification in Russia and Hungary.
– SLAPPs and legal intimidation in the United States.
– Criminalisation of protest and legal services in Europe.
– Recent killings of activists and journalists in Colombia and Malta.
– Emerging trends and notable cases from 2023 and 2024.
Interviews
– Inclusion of interviews with activists from various regions to provide firsthand insights into their experiences and challenges.
Analysis of Key Regions and Countries
– In-depth analysis of regions and countries most affected, highlighting trends and specific incidents from 2023 and 2024.
Roles of State and Non-State Actors
– Examination of the involvement of governments, organised crime, armed groups, and private companies.
Existing Responses and Measures
– Review of current protection mechanisms, legal frameworks, and responses by civil society and international organisations.
Recommendations
– Strategic recommendations for improving protection and support for activists and journalists.
– Policy recommendations for governments and international bodies.
Conclusion
– Summary of key findings.
– Final reflections and actionable recommendations.
Deliverables
– A comprehensive research report as outlined in the structure and focus.
– A summary briefing highlighting key findings and recommendations.
– A presentation of findings for relevant stakeholders, if required.
Timeline
– Research and Data Collection: August 2024 – October 2024
– Draft Report: November 2024
– Review and Revisions: December 2024
– Final Report Submission: End of December 2024
Reporting
The research will be led by Lydia Jones, with contributions from other researchers. These contributors will be acknowledged in the report.
Confidentiality
All information and findings should be treated with confidentiality and used solely for the purposes outlined in this ToR.