111. Mapping of Existing Support Services and Institutes to Develop a Referral Pathway to Support Affected Journalists, Activists, and Human Rights Defenders

CRD was tasked with conducting a study titled "Mapping of Existing Support Services and Institutes to Develop a Referral Pathway to Support Affected Journalists, Activists, and Human Rights Defenders" under the Swadhinata project, implemented by Plan International Bangladesh (PIB) in partnership with Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF). The Swadhinata project sought to address the increasing risks, threats, and rights violations faced by journalists, human rights defenders (HRDs), and activists in Bangladesh, as well as the absence of a coordinated referral mechanism.

The study focused on assessing protection needs, mapping existing legal, psychosocial, administrative, and emergency support services at national and divisional levels, identifying institutional gaps and coordination challenges, and providing evidence-based, gender-responsive recommendations for an inclusive and sustainable referral pathway across all eight divisions.

CRD adopted a qualitative and participatory approach, combining desk reviews, stakeholder mapping, key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and institutional profiling. The study was guided by a rights-based and protection systems framework, aligned with international standards on freedom of expression, protection of journalists and HRDs, and Plan International’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles. The study was carried out by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in human rights, governance, gender equality, legal and policy analysis, qualitative research, and institutional mapping.