Protection International

Protection International (PI) is an international NGO dedicated to the protection of human rights defenders (HRD) around the world. PI aspires to a world in which everyone has the right to defend their rights and freedoms without fear, threat or attack. PI provides HRD with the means to manage their own protection effectively, also enabling those who should protect them (notably local and national authorities) to better understand and carry out their mandate effectively and to fulfil their obligations.  

PI's approach to protection is based on a holistic understanding of collective security and protection and long-term support, encompassing physical and digital security, but also issues related to community resilience and the protection of the space in which HRD operate. In addition, PI supports the creation and strengthening of protection networks as a key element in combating isolation and physical and psychosocial distress. PI has been working in the DRC for around two decades and, over the years, the organisation has supported thousands of HRD throughout most of the country, but particularly in North and South Kivu, where PI has its offices.