What do we mean by gender- sensitive protection and security for WHRDs?
legal proceedings in this case were part of an escalating campaign of harassment and persecution against the feminist movement that opposed the abortion ban that was passed in 2006 in Nicaragua.64 These types of attacks can have devastating consequences for WHRDs, resulting not only in lack of support for their causes and movements, but in some cases generating further attacks and violence from different sectors of the community. It also causes fear and has a chilling effect that can dissuade WHRDs from continuing their work. This type of violence is used as an example of what can happen to other WHRDs if they continue with their work. It also has an exhausting effect on WHRDs and their movements, forcing them to divert their attention and resources from their work, and instead spend time defending themselves in the courts or fighting media campaigns. WHRDs in the consultation highlighted the need to ensure that protection schemes include measures directed at preventing and protecting WHRDs from this type of violence. These measures should also aim at transforming public opinion to support WHRDs and their work. As a first step, States must recognize that belonging to specific groups or movements can make WHRDs particularly vulnerable to certain attacks. For example, Colombia’s Constitutional Court has recognized that “displaced women who assume leadership in displaced population organizations, workers organizations, human rights promotion, or social and community leadership become exposed to multiple threats, pressure, and risks made by illegal armed groups that many times lead to their murder.”65 Recognizing the risks of specific groups of women is critical to support the development of collective protection measures. Other types of measures could include public recognition of the legitimate work carried out by WHRDs and also of the movement or groups that these women defenders represent. Protection measures should also aim to prevent public officials, and non-state actors from making statements that attack, stigmatize, or incite violence against WHRDs or their movements. Measures should ensure that States investigate and punish those responsible even when the statements are made by non-state actors, such as religious and community leaders, representatives of the private sector and the media.
2.5 Digital security and freedom of expression Another key area highlighted by WHRDs in relation to protection needs is digital security. The internet has become an essential tool for WHRDs to disseminate information, advocate, mobilize, organize and advance human rights. There are many examples of how women’s rights activists use the internet and information and communication technology (ICT) in their human rights work. “From the Tahrir Bodyguards who use social media to ensure and address the safety of women exercising their right to demonstrate alongside their male counterparts in the streets of Cairo, Egypt to South African Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) activists and women human rights defenders who are
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Remarks by Juanita Jimenez (Movimiento Autónomo de Mujeres de Nicaragua) during the WHRDs consultation in Mexico. Constitutional Court of Colombia, Auto 092 of 2008, I.V.B.1.10. Cited in Human Rights Watch, Rights Out of Reach, Obstacles to Health, Justice, and Protection for Displaced Victims of Gender-Based Violence in Colombia, November 14, 2012. Web. January 2014. http://www.hrw.org/reports/2012/11/14/rights-out-reach. See also Constitutional Court of Colombia, Order 098 of 2013, pp. 17, 79, and 105. Cited in Human Rights Watch, The Risk of Returning Home, Violence and threats against Displaced People Reclaiming Land in Colombia, September 2013.Web. January 2014 http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/colombia0913webwcover.pdf.
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