In 2001 Front Line Defenders launched its Protection Grants programme, to provide rapid and practical financial support to human rights defenders at risk. Protection Grants can pay for provisions to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) and their organisations including, but not limited to:
- improving physical security of an organisation or individual, digital security and communication security;
- supporting legal fees for HRDs who are being judicially harassed;
- paying for medical fees for HRDs who have been attacked or who have suffered a medical condition as a result of their peaceful human rights activities;
- providing family assistance for imprisoned HRDs or family members who are at risk because of a HRD's activities.
Grants are for amounts up to a maximum of €7,500.