📷 Photographs from the Human Rights Houses Network Meeting 2025 can be found here.

We meet in-person because we know we are stronger together. We need to connect, we need to join forces, we need to learn from each other—to protect, to inspire, and to act. 

Maria Dahle, Human Rights House Foundation

In a time of deepening crises across the region—marked by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, severe repression on civil society in Azerbaijan, Belarus and Russia, and escalating crackdowns against civil society in Georgia and Serbia—the Network Meeting offered a vital space for reflection, connection, and collective strategy.

The programme opened with a keynote speech from Ingeborg Moa, Executive Director of the Norwegian Human Rights Fund. Framing resilience as “the human ability to overcome challenges and transform suffering into purpose,” Moa addressed the essential role of hope amidst rising authoritarianism, combined with the decrease in the willingness to support the work of human rights organisation:

Hope is not seeing the world through rose-tinted glasses. Hope is a strategy. It’s something we actively decide to have to fuel our human rights work.

Ingeborg Moa, Norwegian Human Rights Fund

The meeting took place not only against a backdrop of challenge but also one of growth. Since the last Network Meeting in 2023, Human Rights Houses in Banja Luka, Belgrade, and Zagreb—together with Sarajevo Open Centre—launched the regional network of Human Rights Houses in Southeastern Europe and published two landmark reports. New members have joined existing Houses, and new coalitions in several countries have expressed interest in establishing Human Rights Houses. The newly formed Network Advisory Council also held its first in-person meeting in Oslo.

It’s both an honor and a responsibility to be part of the Network Advisory Council. I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute, collaborate, and help shape strategies to protect human rights and support human rights defenders in our region. This Council brings together diverse voices across the Network, helping us reflect realities on the ground and build stronger, more connected advocacy. I hope we can focus on countering authoritarianism, pushing back against anti-democratic rhetoric, and strengthening solidarity among human rights groups—so we can stand stronger together.

Nvard Margaryan, Member of the Network Advisory Council / Coordinator, Human Rights House Yerevan

First in-person meeting of the Network Advisory Council on 9 June 2025 in Oslo.
First in-person meeting of the Network Advisory Council on 9 June 2025 in Oslo.

I have known the Network of Human Rights Houses for over 15 years. I’ve always been impressed by how the House model has remained as relevant as ever – providing a vital platform for human rights activism in challenging contexts – while also adapting to changing needs, including through exile and virtual models… I hope the Network Advisory Council can help support the ongoing growth and evolution of the Network – which I believe is needed now more than ever – and offer strategic advice and input into the development of new Human Rights Houses and emerging models.

Rupert Abbott, Member of the Network Advisory Council / Director, RightsStart Alliance

Countering anti-NGO narratives and strengthening communications

During the Network Meeting 2025 the agenda focused on current challenges of the civil society and strategic approach in the face of the emerging ones.

Participants explored how disinformation and anti-NGO rhetoric—often state-backed or implemented—are being used to undermine independent civil society. Drawing from experiences in Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, and beyond, discussions highlighted how propaganda narratives are evolving and how civil society can respond effectively.

Panel “Countering narratives – Strategies to Respond to Anti-NGO Rhetoric and Disinformation” from left to right: moderator Nik Williams, Index on Censorship with Cvijeta Senta, Centre for Peace Studies, Uroš Jovanović, Civic Initiatives, Baia Pataraia, Sapari, Arpy Manusyan, Socioscope, and Filip Noubel, Global Voices, joining online on 10 June 2025 in Oslo.

When we talk about the anti-NGO movement in Georgia, we talk about the government directly attacking civil society right now… You can be imprisoned for not registering as a foreign agent under a label we can never agree with. This summer we will likely witness the crackdown on HRDs and human rights organisations in Georgia.

Baia Pataraia, Sapari

Throughout the event, participants also examined how to adapt and innovate in their strategic communications. They explored not just how to advocate, but why, for whom, and under what conditions. Through creative scenario workshops—ranging from “impossible” to “utopian” situations—participants reimagined advocacy approaches to reclaim hostile spaces, shift narratives, and sustain motivation despite repression.

These conversations had a strong focus on resourcing. With traditional funding streams tightening, participants exchanged best practices in building partnerships, leveraging collaboration and finding ways to achieve more with fewer resources. Discussions also encouraged thinking outside the box and sharing insights to better navigate an increasingly competitive and unstable funding landscape and strengthening sustainability across the Network.

Panel “Maximizing Resources for Human Rights”. From left to right: moderator Daiva Petkevičiūtė, HRHF, Baia Pataraia, Sapari, Rupert Abbott, RightsStart Alliance, Maria Pavlovec, People in Need, and Kristina Vaičiūnaitė, European Endowment for Democracy, joining online on 11 June 2025 in Oslo.

Meeting and sharing knowledge, experiences, and methodologies is incredibly valuable. Connecting with people from different contexts who are facing—or have faced—similar challenges helps you realise you’re not alone. Despite working in different countries, we often have more in common than we think. It is also very useful and important for us, the international NGOs, to do a reality check by engaging directly with local civil society actors to ensure our priorities remain aligned with the real needs on the ground.

Maria Pavlovec, People in Need

Exile as the new normal

One critical theme throughout the meeting was the growing reality of exile. For many within the Network, working from abroad is no longer a temporary interruption but a long-term reality. Places that were considered to be a “safe haven” for HRDs at risk during the past decade with infrastructure in place, these are the countries that are struggling themselves right now.

A dedicated session addressed this shift. With new needs emerging in the Western Balkans and Georgia, and those present in the last years for Belarusian, Ukrainian, Azerbaijani and other HRDs, participants shared on the increasing legal, logistical, and psychosocial challenges of operating from exile—including risks from transnational repression, access to documentation, and burnout.

The Human Rights House Concept has become increasingly important with its emphasis on adaptability, and suitability for becoming a hub for exiled HRDs and organisations, offering crucial opportunities for advocacy and visibility. The importance and need for the Human Rights House Concept was underlined by the session, which explored the fact that there is still no global “integration infrastructure” to support exiled human rights work—nor clear international standards.

The Network reaffirmed its commitment to treating exile as a structural part of the human rights landscape, and called for deeper coordination and support.

The Human Rights House Network is a community. During these difficult times for human rights around the world, our support for each other is more important than ever. In our recent meeting, we shared ideas and worked together to find effective ways to address the worsening human rights problems in our region. Solidarity is key.

Elena Wasylew, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights

Solidarity in action

The 2025 Network Meeting also provided opportunities for public engagement. Network representatives met with Norwegian policymakers, media, and civil society stakeholders, including at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also took part in event marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, reinforcing shared values and international commitments.

The Network’s tradition of solidarity was again visible during the gathering. Participants honoured colleagues from the Network imprisoned for their human rights work by displaying their portraits and writing letters to those unjustly detained by Azerbaijan, Belarus and Russia. An empty chair left for each missing person served as a reminder that their place is with the human rights community where their contributions are needed and their presence is missed.

Acts of solidarity with imprisoned colleagues have become a crucial tradition at every Network Meeting. Participants gather in solidarity with political prisoners, holding portraits of colleagues from the Network and Ukrainian political prisoners held captive by the Russian Federation. During the Network Meeting they also took time to write letters, while empty chars were reserved for colleagues behind bars.

“A row of empty chairs, for those who would have joined the 2025 Human Rights House Network meeting in Oslo had they not been jailed for the peaceful exercise of their human rights,” shared Rupert Abbott, RightsStart Alliance.
“A row of empty chairs, for those who would have joined the 2025 Human Rights House Network meeting in Oslo had they not been jailed for the peaceful exercise of their human rights,” shared Rupert Abbott, RightsStart Alliance.

This year’s display no longer included the portrait of Andrei Chapiuk, released after fully serving his unlawful sentence in Belarus. The portraits of Azerbaijani HRD, Anar Mammadli, and journalist, Ulviyya Ali were added due to their current detention, joining those of Andrei Aliaksandrau, Ales Bialiatski, Uladzimir Labkovich, Valiantsin Stefanovich and Marfa Rabkova.

Space to recharge

When the pressure of working under an authoritarian regime becomes too overwhelming and exhausting, we need a safe space where we can share how we feel and what to do next. We do this with family, friends, and colleagues. Attending the Network Meeting was exactly such a safe space where we recharged our batteries. I return to my country with much more knowledge and experience for an even stronger fight for a just society for all, thanks to the amazing stories and advice from such brave and inspiring people who are part of the network.

Uroš Jovanović, Civic Initiatives.

Despite coming from contexts marked by war, exile, authoritarian pressure, and constant threats to physical and mental well-being, participants found moments of rest, reflection, and reconnection during the Network Meeting. 

This meeting gave me the chance to finally breathe in—and breathe out. It was one of the first times in the last few years that, while abroad for work, I actually felt like taking photos and smiling.

Oksana Kuiantseva, EastSOS.

1. From left to right: Uroš Jovanović, Civic Initiatives, Elena Wasylew, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Olena Kobiak, Educational Human Rights House Chernihiv, Maria Sulialina, Almenda, Human Rights House Crimea, and Oksana Kuiantseva, EastSOS during the 2025 Network Meeting in Oslo. 2. Evening nature walk through the forested Nordmarka region north of Oslo.

The 2025 Network Meeting was made possible thanks to the generous support of our donors.

More information

House Programme
house@humanrightshouse.org