Minister Joly announces support for digital security of human rights defenders

February 12, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $1.8 million in funding to Access Now for its project Counteracting Transnational Repression and Protecting Society in the Digital Age. This project aims to increase the safety and security of civil society actors and human rights defenders, with a focus on communities impacted by transnational repression.

Digital technologies play a central role in advancing the work of human

rights defenders, from sharing information to fostering networks to coordinating public demonstrations. Despite the many benefits of digital technologies, human rights defenders continue to face risks online and digitally. These risks are exacerbated in a world that is increasingly technologically driven; a world in which it has become easier for malign actors to reach beyond their borders to threaten the well-being of human rights defenders and undermine their invaluable work.

Over a two-year period, the project will deliver targeted digital security support through Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline; conduct advocacy to combat transnational repression tactics, like surveillance and spyware; and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement on digital security threats through the RightsCon Summit Series.

Quotes

“In many countries, human rights defenders are targeted for their human rights work in online spaces, including through state-sponsored harassment, threats, arrests and extra-judicial killings. Furthermore, the targeting of human rights defenders can happen transnationally through digital technology. Amid growing attacks on human rights defenders worldwide, Canada remains committed to supporting the digital safety and security of those who are doing this critical work.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• Canada recognizes and applauds the key role played by human rights defenders in protecting and promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law—often at great risk to themselves, their loved ones and communities and to the organizations and movements they often represent.

• Digital safety is an increasing concern for human rights defenders around the world, with threats posed by intimidation and harassment, disinformation, technological attacks and surveillance.

• Supporting these defenders is a key pillar of Canada’s human rights work at home and around the world. Canada is actively engaged in multilateral institutions, like the United Nations, and works closely with other partners to defend and advance universal human rights, including digitally and online.