As violence against earth rights defenders increases across Southeast Asia, we call for justice and dignity — for human rights to be respected, protected, and fulfilled. However, with civic space shrinking and threats against defenders rising, the work can prove challenging. Defenders are increasingly targeted by different actors who wish to silence and prevent them from undertaking their important work. Earth rights defenders across the region have experienced a range of threats, including physical assault, legal action, disappearances, and digital attacks in online spaces.

The purpose of this Manual is to provide defenders operating in Southeast Asia with a short, concise resource on security and safety that can be referred to as and when needed.