Risk Assessment and Resource Sharing to Protect CSOs and HRDs from Tech-Facilitated Abuse Threats

Human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) now face growing threats through both physical and digital spaces. Governments and private actors increasingly use digital surveillance, harassment, and disinformation to monitor, intimidate, and discredit activists. These tactics, often unchecked, weaken civic space and put individuals and organisations at real risk. As these threats become more targeted and complex, HRDs and CSOs must adopt stronger, smarter ways to protect themselves.

Digital attacks often lead to physical danger. Online harassment and doxxing can escalate into stalking, physical threats, or violence. Many organisations remain under-equipped to deal with this convergence of risk. Gaps in technical skills, resources, or emergency support leave defenders exposed. To stay safe and continue their work, HRDs and CSOs need practical tools and clear strategies to assess risks, respond to attacks, and connect with trusted support systems.

This workshop responds directly to that need. It trains participants to assess digital and physical security threats, implement effective safeguards, and access resources such as legal aid, emergency relocation, and digital protection tools. It also builds networks across sectors—connecting CSOs with tech experts, donors, and allies—to share knowledge and strengthen collective responses. By bringing these groups together, the workshop creates a foundation for ongoing support, resilience, and collaboration.

This workshop aims to equip human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) with practical tools and strategies to enhance their protection against tech-facilitated abuse by both state and non-state actors. It will provide hands-on guidance for identifying risks, implementing mitigation strategies, and accessing relevant support resources.

The workshop will cover the following key areas:

Risk assessment: Participants will learn to assess both digital and physical security risks. Digital risks include online harassment, surveillance, and doxxing. Physical risks involve threats, stalking, and harassment.
Resource-sharing: Participants will learn available support mechanisms and tools for both digital and physical protection, including data security, emergency relocation, and legal assistance.

This session will foster cross-sector collaboration by bringing together representatives from civil society, funders, and tech companies to share knowledge and build a network of support.

1. Jun Ng
   Partner at the Open Technology Fund's User Experience and Discovery (UXD) Lab
2. Josef Benedict
   CIVICUS Monitor Asia Pacific Researcher, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
3. Numan Afifi
   Shelter City Guest & Senior Research and Policy Officer, APCOM Foundation
4. Nabila Hussain
   Head, Southeast Asia Public Policy, Cloudflare