Open Briefing is proud to be a key partner in Civic DEFENDERS, an ambitious five-year global programme aimed at countering digital repression and fostering long-term resilience within civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders. This transformative initiative, supported by USAID and coordinated by Internews, brings together a powerful consortium of leaders in internet freedom to collaborate across global, regional, and national levels.
The Civic DEFENDERS programme will:
- Enhance resources and capabilities within civil society to address existing and emerging digital threats.
- Strengthen locally-led advocacy to counter and prevent digital repression.
- Promote anti-censorship tools while addressing knowledge and usage gaps, particularly for women and marginalised groups.
- Empower local experts and organisations to deliver comprehensive support to civil society organisations, independent media, and human rights defenders facing digital threats.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Over the next five years, Open Briefing will take the lead in strengthening access to high-quality mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for civil society organisations, independent media, and human rights defenders combatting digital repression. Our innovative approach includes mentoring MHPSS practitioners across multiple regions to ensure that wellbeing support is sustainable, accessible, and culturally relevant.
Camille Gallie, Open Briefing’s director of wellbeing and resilience, emphasised the urgency of this work: “Poor wellbeing is a very real danger among civil society actors facing digital repression. The constant threat of digital harm places them at risk of burnout, stress, and trauma. This impact extends beyond their professional lives, creating fear and anxiety in their personal lives, their families, and their communities.”
Camille further explained how Open Briefing’s tailored approach will make a difference: “Through Civic DEFENDERS, Open Briefing will co-design and deliver a framework of wellbeing support interventions that meet local needs. These interventions will include psychosocial first aid, peer support training, collective healing and reflective group sessions, and leadership support.”
International collaboration
In addition to Open Briefing, the Civic DEFENDERS programme is supported by a diverse consortium of organisations around the world, each bringing invaluable expertise:
- The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
- Public Fund Civil Internet Policy Initiative (CIPI)
- Co-Creation Hub
- Derechos Digitales
- Digital Security Lab Ukraine (DSLU)
- EngageMedia
- Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
- SHARE Foundation
- SMEX
We are joined by international NGOs, including Article 19, DevTech, Global Network Initiative (GNI), The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), and Ranking Digital Rights (RDR). Together, this coalition will drive impactful, community-centred change.
By championing digital freedom and resilience through collaboration, Civic DEFENDERS will help civil society and human rights defenders stand firm against digital repression.