General Framework
This project, carried out by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV) in partnership with the Human Rights Association (İHD), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organization Against Torture–Europe (OMCT-E), was implemented between March 1, 2021, and August 31, 2024. The project aimed to increase the capacity of the human rights movement to bring about change under difficult conditions, strengthen the right to defend human rights, and contribute to the reshaping of public life based on the foundational role of human rights.
One of the most important elements the project focuses on is ensuring that human rights defenders do not face pressure alone and enabling them to fight back more effectively, both individually and institutionally. In this context, Regional Solidarity and Cooperation Groups established in different provinces, training provided to hundreds of human rights defenders, legal and psychosocial support provided, and national and international events organized have formed the comprehensive structure of the project.
The 42-month project has been a comprehensive initiative that empowers human rights defenders, enhances the capacities of civil society organizations, develops international advocacy, and broadens social awareness.
Project Objectives
The project is built on three main objectives:
Objective 1: Protecting human rights defenders exposed to threats and pressure by providing them with legal, psychosocial, and financial support;
Objective 2: Enhancing the technical knowledge and skills of human rights defenders through training, supervision, and professional development programs;
Objective 3: Enhancing the capacity of human rights defenders and organizations to carry out their activities by developing the tools and platforms used in the human rights movement, broadening the base of the human rights struggle, providing institutional support to human rights organizations, and facilitating their work.
Project Activities
Regional Solidarity and Cooperation Groups
Regional Solidarity and Cooperation Groups established in six regions centered in Adana, Ankara, Diyarbakır, Istanbul, Izmir, and Van were created to identify the needs of human rights defenders, report human rights violations, and strengthen solidarity networks. Over 100 human rights defenders from 28 cities participated in these groups, and a total of 124 meetings were held during the project period.
Groups have contributed to human rights advocacy efforts at both the local and international levels by producing regular reports on human rights violations.
Training Programs
Various training sessions were organized under the project. These trainings enhanced advocates’ technical skills and resilience, and provided them with expertise in reporting and security. The following trainings were organized under the project:
Human Rights Violations Monitoring and Reporting Training: 139 human rights defenders participated. Trainer training and practitioner training were conducted in six cities.
Secondary Trauma and Burnout Training: 85 human rights defenders participated. These trainings aimed to strengthen the capacity of human rights defenders to maintain their well-being.
Digital and Physical Security Training: 40 human rights defenders participated in two trainings held in Ankara in 2024.
Training on the Effective Use of Local and International Human Rights Mechanisms: 41 human rights defenders gained competence in accessing national and international mechanisms.
Supervision Programs
Supervision support has been provided to human rights defenders working directly with human rights violations. A total of 885 sessions were held for 245 human rights defenders, providing 2,655 hours of support. Special programs were developed for psychologists, social workers, clinicians working with children, and those in need of individual supervision.
Through supervision programs, human rights defenders’ professional resilience has increased, and it has become easier for them to cope with secondary trauma.
Professional and Personal Development Programs
Human rights defenders have been provided with the opportunity to participate in the capacity-building programs listed below, in accordance with their preferences. These programs have helped human rights defenders to continue their work effectively and to overcome the challenges they face.
Language Training Support Program: 28 human rights defenders were supported to receive training in Kurdish and English.
Support for Participation in Conferences, Workshops, and Training: Six human rights defenders were supported to participate in international events directly related to their advocacy activities.
Internship Program: Three human rights defenders gained international advocacy experience by interning at the Brussels office of OMCT-E, a project partner.
Support Program for Civil Society Organizations Working in the Field of Human Rights
A total of €600,000 in support has been provided to 13 NGOs working in the field of human rights. Thanks to this support, projects have been implemented in areas such as children’s, women’s, LGBTQI+ and refugee rights.
Thanks to the support provided through this program, the institutional capacities of local human rights organizations have increased, thereby broadening the base of the human rights movement.
Enhancing the Organizational Capacity of TİHV
Through the project activities, TİHV teams were strengthened and coordination between treatment centers was improved, thereby continuing to enhance TİHV’s organizational capacity. The project activities contributed to the strengthening of the Van Reference Center and the improvement of communication and coordination among TİHV treatment teams.
New Strategies and Knowledge Networks
The flow of information among human rights defenders has been strengthened, and human rights violations have been documented through regular reporting.
These reports have been used in advocacy work conducted with the UN, the EU, and the Council of Europe.
Platforms for Joint Reflection for Human Rights Defenders and Organizations
Between 2022 and 2024, forums were held in Izmir, Istanbul, Diyarbakır, Adana, Ankara, and Van. In February 2024, a national forum was held in Ankara to discuss the future of human rights.
Thanks to the collaborative thinking platforms that were implemented, human rights defenders developed common roadmaps in the context of democratization efforts and the struggle for human rights.
Human Rights Media and Visibility
The visibility of human rights advocacy activities has increased through these efforts, thereby raising awareness in society.
Within this scope, 12 videos, 69 visual content pieces, and infographics have been prepared. Thousands of people have been reached through Human Rights Documentary Film Days. In addition, two training sessions on media relations have been organized.
International Advocacy and Partnerships
The European Solidarity Network was established, an international workshop was held in Istanbul, and participation was secured in the FIDH World Congress. A total of 12 missions were carried out with the Council of Europe, the UN, and the EU, and reports were published on critical cases.
Thanks to these activities, the human rights movement in Turkey was brought to the international agenda and international solidarity was woven.
Strengthening Social Awareness
Solidarity-themed events and documentary film days have strengthened positive perceptions of human rights defenders in society. This has increased social awareness against the criminalization of human rights defenders.