International Attention and the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Campaigning for Agents of Change
1st Edition
Published on 16. June 2023
256 pages
978-1-000-89344-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book uses a practice-driven and empirically founded approach to address the question of whether and how international attention can protect and enable domestic human rights activists in authoritarian settings. It examines the untold origin story of the 'human rights defender' term and its uptake among international advocacy organizations, which coalesced with the rise of a theory of human rights change centered around the support for local actors.
Rich with analyses of original qualitative and quantitative data, the author spells out this theory of change and tests its assumptions in two case studies: the individual casework of the UN special procedures, and the case of Tunisia under Ben Ali.
This book is of key interest to scholars and students of human rights, of the United Nations, and more broadly of international relations and politics in general, and to practitioners working with human rights defenders at risk.
Rich with analyses of original qualitative and quantitative data, the author spells out this theory of change and tests its assumptions in two case studies: the individual casework of the UN special procedures, and the case of Tunisia under Ben Ali.
This book is of key interest to scholars and students of human rights, of the United Nations, and more broadly of international relations and politics in general, and to practitioners working with human rights defenders at risk.
Reviews / Votes
"Based on a broad range of empirical data, Janika Spannagel demonstrates the potential of campaigns supporting human rights defenders. At the same time, she addresses serious risks and possible pitfalls. Her study thus harbors important lessons which yet need to be learned. A 'must' for all human rights practitioners."Heiner Bielefeldt, Professor for Human Rights at FAU Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany, and former UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
"This thought-provoking publication examines the efficacy of the international human rights regime in protecting human rights defenders at risk. It is essential reading for anyone interested in how, and under what conditions, international attention produces protection benefits for defenders in repressive contexts."
Alice M. Nah, Associate Professor at Durham University, UK
"This excellent book offers a nuanced study of global efforts to recognize and protect human rights defenders. Spannagel weaves together case-study research, interviews, and sophisticated analysis of meticulously collected data. Highly recommended, both for its substantive contribution and its well-informed discussion of the uses and challenges of human rights data."
Ann Marie Clark, Professor of Political Science at Purdue University, USA
More details
Series
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Reflowable
Illustrations
2 Tables, black and white; 19 Halftones, black and white; 19 Illustrations, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-000-89344-1 (9781000893441)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Janika Spannagel
International Attention and the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Campaigning for Agents of Change
Book
11/2024
1st Edition
Routledge
€63.20
Shipment within 10-20 days
Janika Spannagel
International Attention and the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Campaigning for Agents of Change
Book
06/2023
1st Edition
Routledge
€196.40
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Janika Spannagel is a postdoctoral researcher at Freie Universitaet Berlin, Germany, where she currently studies the diffusion and contestation of academic freedom norms at the Cluster of Excellence "Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)". She previously co-developed the Academic Freedom Index. Her background is in researching human rights and political repression.
Content
Introduction Part I: The 'Human Rights Defender' in International Politics 1. A Short History of the 'Human Rights Defender' 2. Unpacking the 'Human Rights Defender' Theory of Change Part II: Can UN Attention Protect Human Rights Defenders? 3. What Do the UN's 'Independent Eyes and Ears' See and Hear? 4. Making a Difference: The Protective Effect of UN Casework Part III: Defenders' Protection and Human Rights Change in Tunisia 5. The International Protection of Tunisian Defenders under Ben Ali 6. Translating Protection into Human Rights Change for Tunisia Conclusion
