Over 50% of Belgian human rights organisations say they have been threatened or intimidated at least once over the last two years.
A report published by The Federal Institute of Human Rights (FIDH) on Monday reveals that 55% out of the consulted 150 human rights organisations confirmed they have experienced threats and intimidation because of their advocacy work.
"Being able to defend human rights is also a human right," said FIDH Director Martien Schotsmans, explaining that the report contains guidelines for decision-makers, citizens, the media and organisations themselves and aims to "guarantee a safe space for human rights defenders."
Organisations fighting for the rights of migrant, LGBTQIA+ or detained populations rights experienced the largest proportion of acts with harmful objectives. Those campaigning for the climate or against racism face similar difficulties.
Among the threats suffered by organisations, 24% said they had been subjected to legal intimidation, such as through the form of unfounded legal action (known as SLAPP cases); while 22% said they had already been the subject of negative media campaigns containing deliberately misleading statements about them.
Finally, 17% reported that they had already been subject to political sanctions from the authorities, such as facing restrictions for access to public spaces for gatherings.
'Daily reality'
Just under half (46%) of organisations said their staff had suffered online abuse, with the majority of harmful content targeting an individual's gender, sexual orientation or appearance.
"We find that many organisations and their staff see these pressures and threats as part of their daily reality, whereas they should be able to work in a safe environment," said Schotsmans. "In particular, we recommend that they denounce the harassment and violence to which they may be subjected. But there also needs to be greater awareness of the importance of human rights and of these organisations."
Almost 1 in 5 (17%) of participants said they struggled to make their voices heard to policy makers. At the moment, talks between civil society actors and government formation negotiators are taking place. The talks give the former an opportunity to lay out their priorities and concerns ahead of the next mandate.
