in today’s turbulent global environment, defending human rights and democracy is more than a policy debate – it is an urgent moral imperative to be translated into implementable measures. Basic freedoms are under siege in many parts of the world. The surge in disinformation, the persistence of dictatorships, and the erosion of democratic norms present profound challenges for human rights defenders. Whether combating state surveillance in Europe, defending pro-democracy movements in Venezuela, or advancing LGBTIQA+ rights in South Asia, one truth becomes clear: human rights and democracy are deeply interconnected – an attack on one impacts on the other.

At the heart of this interconnectedness is the question of justice and accountability – how to hold regimes and dictatorships, such as those in Russia and China, accountable for their abuses. Across many regions, democratic backsliding, suppression of dissents, and manipulation of legal systems have created mounting threats. Yet, these obstacles have not silenced those advocating for change.

Moreover, freedom of expression faces growing threats in a controlled digital landscape. Sophisticated surveillance technologies, like Pegasus spyware, have placed journalists, activists, and dissidents at greater risk. Meanwhile, marginalized groups, such as women and LGBTIQA+ communities, continue to fight for their basic rights, especially in patriarchal societies. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is essential to protecting vulnerable groups and fostering inclusive and tolerant societies.

Progress requires sustained effort, collaboration, and adaptability. Global human rights movements must innovate, using digital tools and networks to counter oppression and amplify marginalized voices.

Against this backdrop, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom remains committed to promoting these values through its projects and activities worldwide. The Liberal Human Rights Work 2024 publication highlights a selection of the Foundation’s efforts in over 60 countries.

I invite you to explore this important work and join us in this invaluable advocacy.

Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger
Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and former German Minister of Justice