Establishing ongoing dialogue and relationships with political decision makers is a key element of PBI UK’s support for threatened human rights defenders.

In times of emergency or heightened threat to the people we protect, PBI can call on the influential individuals and groups that make up our support network.

In the UK, this network consists of more than 80 MPs, ministers and peers of the realm, as well as members of the legal community.

Support network members can use their influence to protect threatened defenders in various ways, including through diplomatic channels or raising the issues in Parliament.

Ongoing protection

It is not only in moments of high alert that PBI engages with the members of our support network. All of the defenders we accompany are living with constant threat to their security.

PBI’s advocacy is therefore an ongoing prevention activity, as we keep the members of our network informed of the situation faced by human rights defenders in particular regions or thematic areas, and share our expertise on the ways in which the international community can help protect them.

Bringing together defenders and decision-makers

PBI UK invites representatives of accompanied organisations to the UK, facilitating meetings with politicians, diplomats, academics, lawyers and activists with whom they can highlight their concerns.

Strengthening ties and contributing to international debate

PBI UK meets regularly with officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), including desk officers and section heads for specific regions and members of the Human Rights and Democracy Group.

The FCO has included the recommendations from PBI’s Conference on Security and Protection for Human Rights Defenders in its action plan for embassy staff around the world.

PBI UK also shares its knowledge and expertise through participation in coalitions such as ABColombia, of which we are an observer member, and the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition.

See a selection of PBI's advocacy submissions and recommendations