Project duration: May 2025 – April 2027
Donor: UNDEF
Project value: 165.000,00 $
Project partner: Belgrade Center for Security Policy (BCSP)

Project overview:

In a country facing ongoing governance and human rights challenges the project, “Strengthening Human Rights Defenders to Safeguard Democracy in Serbia,” aims to strengthen the protection, support, and rights of human rights defenders (HRDs) through a comprehensive approach addressing legal, psychological, and advocacy needs.

A central focus of the project is tackling legal obstacles by improving access to legal representation and providing free legal aid, enabling HRDs to defend themselves effectively. Recognizing the psychological toll of their work, the project will also offer targeted support to help HRDs manage stress, trauma, and burnout. It will strengthen documentation efforts by maintaining a comprehensive, publicly accessible database of rights violations, supporting evidence-based policy and advocacy. To build public support, the project will raise awareness through events, media, and online outreach, while also expanding advocacy platforms and fostering stronger collaboration with national and international stakeholders to ensure lasting protection for HRDs.

Through these efforts, the project seeks to empower HRDs and promote a more resilient and rights-respecting democratic environment in Serbia.