ABSTRACT
A 'human rights defender protection regime' has emerged based on principles, norms, and decision-making procedures of the international human rights regime. The possibilities of state actors criminalising human rights work is growing globally. In 2016 commentators report that over 60 countries are enacting laws to curtail or supress non-governmental organisation (NGO) activities and human rights defenders' practice. The European Union (EU) Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders were established in 2004 as a policy tool in compliance with the Treaty of the EU to 'consolidate and support' democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in international relations. To reach remote areas and strengthen civil society participation in development, EU missions are currently developing Civil Society Roadmaps. The Roadmaps are an EU process for creating enabling environments for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate in developing countries. Commentators have made clear the importance of prioritising human rights protections in this process.
