Human rights defenders are operating in a world of overlapping crises: conflict, environmental collapse, shrinking civic space and rising authoritarianism. Attacks are no longer only physical; defenders face lawsuits, surveillance, smear campaigns and online abuse designed to exhaust and isolate them. Women, Indigenous, LGBTQI+ and land defenders are especially exposed, often confronting perpetrators destroying their communities and environment with little access to support.

PBI provides holistic protective accompaniment rooted in trust, long-term presence and real-time analysis. Trained volunteers accompany defenders in situations of risk, help deter threats and build long term protection for communities at risk. We combine this with advocacy, capacity-strengthening, network-building and practical tools so defenders can strengthen their security, wellbeing and influence. We stand beside defenders, not in front of them, helping create space for them to work safely.