​​​​​​​Protecting and Defending Human Rights abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is protecting and defending human rights abroad?

• Working on human rights means contributing to the protection and promotion of fundamental rights that should apply to every human being.
• Human rights are basic rights such as:
  • right to life and safety.
  • freedom of expression.
  • right to education.
  • right to equal treatment (no discrimination).
  • right to healthcare.
  • right to a fair trial.
• These rights are enshrined in international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Human rights work can be politically sensitive, and change often occurs slowly and indirectly.
• You often work with complex and emotionally heavy situations. Safety and ethics play a major role.

In practice, working on human rights can mean:

• Working for NGOs, legal organizations, or international institutions.
• Supporting campaigns against discrimination, exploitation, or injustice.
• Documenting human rights violations (e.g., violence, censorship, child labor).
• Providing legal support to victims or vulnerable groups.
• Working with refugees or minorities.
• Contribute to awareness, education, or policy change.

What are the reasons for protecting and defending human rights?

• To promote justice: contribute to fair and safe societies.
• To learn critical thinking: learn to understand complex societal systems.
• To be involved in global issues: human rights play a role worldwide. 
• To use your voice: you learn to stand up for others. 
• To develop confidence: standing up for other people help create confidence in yourself and your ideas.

What are the skills and motivations you need to protect and defend human rights?

• Integrity: handling sensitive information honestly and carefully.
• Analytical ability: being able to analyze complex situations.
• Communication skills: being able to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Courage: you sometimes work in challenging circumstances.
• Empathy: understanding different perspectives.

What are good countries and locations where you can protect and defend human rights? 

• International hubs: Belgium (Brussels), Switzerland (Geneva).
• Project countries: Kenya, Lebanon, Colombia, India.
• Europe: Greece, Italy (Refugee Work).
• Worldwide through all kind of NGOs.

What are the risks of working in protecting and defending human rights abroad, and are you insured against those risks?

What are the risks of working in protecting and defending human rights abroad, and what happens with some regularity: 

• That you work in politically sensitive or unstable areas, which can affect your safety, freedom of movement, and potential evacuation.
• That you face legal risks, for example, when work related to activism or documenting abuses is not permitted.
• That you are confronted with emotionally heavy situations such as violence, discrimination, or exploitation, which can cause mental strain.
• That communication and cooperation are complex due to cultural and political sensitivities.
• That you have limited protection from local organizations, meaning that costs for medical care, repatriation, or legal support must be done by yourself.

Are you insured when protecting and defending human rights?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when undertaking activities abroad.
• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may lapse. See the pages on: insurance for paid work, for internships and for volunteer work abroad.