ABSTRACT
The consequences of visa politics go far beyond the hierarchy of the ‘value’ of citizenships and passports. These policies have a profound effect on democracy and human rights, particularly as regards the work of human rights defenders (HRDs). HRDs are recognized as an essential part of the delivery of national and international human rights, and their work is an inherent part of democratic governance. Yet their protection when attacked by authoritarian governments is often hindered or made impossible by visa policies of other countries to which they may be subject. In this chapter, we will examine the implications of visa policies for HRDs and the consequences for human rights and democracy more generally, while also exploring recommendations to enhance the protection of HRDs and facilitate their access to visa procedures.
