Nationals of 104 countries around the world require a visa to enter Schengen countries, including Human Rights Defenders.

Despite promises to protect them, Schengen countries still subject HRDs to a bureaucratic obstacle course just to get a visa. #VisasForHRDs

The hurdles are real:
📍 Embassies hard to reach
⏳ Long waits for appointments
🏫 Outsourced visa services

These barriers limit #HRDs’ ability to travel, connect, and advocate for rights across borders.
Read our new @amnesty report: Closing the Door
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/10/europe-human-rights-defenders-excluded-by-discriminatory-schengen-visa-system/

⏳ Don't miss out! Apply for the External Evaluation Consultancy with DDP
by August 1, 2025, and help shape the future of human rights support!
#HRDs

https://www.digitaldefenders.org/open-call-external-evaluation-consultancy/

RT by @blochbihler: In 2022, I wrote a report on the difficult situation for #HRDs defending the rights of refugees, migrants & asylum-seekers: https://bit.ly/A77178. As we mark #InternationalMigrantsDay, I regret that Govts are still repressing & failing to support the vital work of these HRDs.

🐦🔗: https://nitter.cz/MaryLawlorhrds/status/1736696129725530214#m

[2023-12-18 10:33 UTC]

RT by @HeidiHautala: URGENT-happening now: #Morocco’s occupation forces brutally attacked the first national Congress of @CODESA_SO in occupied #Al_Aaiun/#WesternSahara. The NGO members (#HRDs) and guests were physically abused, assaulted and denied access by force to the congress location in attempt to prevent the congress from taking place. At least one member reported to be detained (Atiqu Barray), many injured. more details will follow. @MaryLawlorhrds @FrontLineHRD @amnestyfrance @amnesty @hrw @goldsteinricky @seth_binder @POMED @CraigMokhiber @volker_turk @antonioguterres

🐦🔗: https://nitter.cz/ElwaliWS/status/1715734399734452557#m

[2023-10-21 14:18 UTC]

#BVMN #ProtectNotSurveil #HRDs

Die #EU unterstützt #Menschenrechtsorganisationen außerhalb der EU.
Wenn es aber um solche innerhalb der EU geht, fehlt diese #Unterstützung meist.
Falls sie sich für #Geflüchtete einsetzen, werden sie oft auch noch #kriminalisiert.

Dazu ein Twitter-🧵 von @Border_Violence mit interessanten Links⬇️
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1712450015677886690.html