Brussels: Launch of “Insiste Persiste Resiste Existe", a report on women human rights defenders' security strategies

On 24 June, in the EU Office of Front Line, Front Line and Kvinna till Kvinna (KtK) presented “Insiste Persiste Resiste Existe”, a compilation of security strategies addressing the specific needs of women human rights defenders (WHRDs), to 20 representatives of EU Institutions and Member States, and Brussels-based NGOs. The report is a joint project between Front Line, KtK (Sweden) and the Urgent Action Fund (USA).

Further Information

The launch event was opened by Mr Leos Javurek, from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ms Jackeline Rojas, coordinator of the Organización Femenina Popular (OFP), Colombia, and Ms Biljana Stankovic, Novi Sad Lesbian Group, Serbia, were invited to testify. As many WHRDs across the world, these two courageous women revisit the concept of ‘integrated security’ invented by Colombian activists, a concept that recognises that security is about feeling safe in all aspects of our lives.

EU Missions were asked to play a key role in protecting WHRDs in accordance with the EU Guidelines on HRDs and those on violence against women, by documenting violations against WHRDs; raising concerns with the authorities; developing outreach activities towards WHRDs, including those working in remote areas; ensuring protection through practical and moral support, taking full account of the specific needs of WHRDs and their families.

An overview of the report is attached. The full report is available free for download at: “Insiste Persiste Resiste Existe”