Events

SHDMII Side Event: Serbia – Digital threats to civic space

The operating space for civil society organizations in Serbia is under severe threat, as human rights defenders and activists face escalating pressures ranging from smear campaigns to physical assaults.

Published: May 12, 2026 Author: Human Rights House Foundation

This side event was organised by organised by Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and co-sponsored by Human Rights House Belgrade and Human Rights House Foundation.

Over the past three years, these threats have intensified within the digital sphere and through the strategic use of new technologies and digital tools for intimidation. The growing trend of spyware attacks is particularly alarming, especially as existing protection mechanisms have proven inadequate. This panel explores how digital tools are being weaponized to stifle activism and examines the urgent need for more effective defense strategies.

Latest

Statements

June 5, 2026

Joint statement on crisis in labour rights in Belarus

Human Rights House Foundation joins Belarusian and international human rights organisations, independent trade unions, and civil society initiatives have issued a joint statement on the systemic crisis of human rights in the labour sector in Belarus.

Interviews

May 29, 2026

“Every year it gets worse” – Protecting LGBTIQ+ people in the North Caucasus

“There is no safe life for LGBTIQ+ people in the North Caucasus, and even private existence can trigger violence, detention, or forced return to families.” This publication is based on the personal testimony of David Isteev, a human rights defender working in exile with North Caucasus SOS (NC SoS). In his testimony, Isteev outlines the situation for LGBTIQ+ people as well as how the organisation continues to coordinate life-saving support from outside the country, relying on volunteers and trusted partners still inside Russia.

Events

May 12, 2026

SHDMII Side Event: Russia – Threats to civic space at home and abroad

Shrinking or closing civic space is not a new phenomenon for the OSCE region. Civil society across the region has been raising the alarm about attacks on democracy, rule of law, and human rights for decades.