March 9, 2023
Keeping online spaces safe for refugees’ political participation
MIRR Alliance session at RightsCon 2022

Human rights defenders (HRDs) face many risks when speaking out online including, but not limited to, harassment, doxing, and threats to physical safety. Intersectional topics like gender, immigration, and LGBTQI+ identification increase the likelihood of online abuse and the silencing of voices. Online spaces may be the only public square where HRDs can call out rights abuses and act politically. HRDs in exile face even more risks to their personal security as they speak out in contexts where their status is already vulnerable.

Through a long-conversation format that allows for interviews and idea-exchange between panelists, this session highlights the importance of keeping online spaces safe to uphold the voices of HRDs, shine a light on the threats they face online, and lift up solutions to combat online hate and hold tech accountable. The session will amplify participation from all people—particularly those with lived experience as HRDs or immigrants.