Protection of Rights Defenders and Journalistss
Legal Help Desk
Through a legal-help desk system, we support and build resilience of environmental and human rights defenders (EHRDs) and journalists who are at risk or under duress as a result of their human rights work by providing quality legal aid and pro bono legal services. Our legal support, while wide-ranging to all defenders, places an emphasis on those hit by SLAPPs.
Holistic crisis support
Our holistic support is also designed to address the urgent needs of these individuals on a short-term bases for up to 3 months, covering food, temporary shelter, transportation and emergency medical treatment. With an established partnership with a psychosocial group in Phnom Penh, we offer legal counselling to defenders and journalists facing legal harassment, especially SLAPPs and other retaliatory lawsuits. For those who have been imprisoned or attacked, specialized trauma counselling and longer-term therapy is facilitated.
Media Lawyer Network and Prison Monitoring Support Program
Our support also expands beyond our single organisation. Through our established and existing Media Lawyer Network, made up of 26 lawyer members, we broaden the national aid network of pro-bono lawyers and and subject-matter experts ensuring legal assistance and rapid legal responses to EHRDs, journalists, trade unions and affected communities.
In situations where EHRDs and journalists are detained or imprisoned (whether as pre-trial detainees or convicted prisoners), BHRLG will activate a prison monitoring and support program. We will document any signs of torture, abuse, or denial of medical care and raise these issues with relevant bodies or the media as appropriate.