US, The Asia Foundation Launch Php16.8-Million Initiative to Boost Cyber Resilience of PHL Human Rights Groups

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In commemoration of Human Rights Day, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and The Asia Foundation launched on December 12 a Php16.8-million ($300,000) initiative that will strengthen the capacity of human rights organizations in the Philippines to thwart cybersecurity threats, including doxing, phishing, and organized digital attacks.

As part of USAID and The Asia Foundation’s ongoing Initiative for Advancing Community Transformation (I-ACT) project, the “Cybersecurity for Human Rights in the Philippines” (C4HR-PH) initiative will provide tools and training to more than 150 local organizations across the country over ten months.

Cybersecurity experts from The Asia Foundation will work closely with national human rights coalitions to design and deliver trainings in risk management, digital security assessments, phishing awareness, and the adoption of cybersecurity protocols such as multi-factor authentication and regular data backups.

The tools and knowledge provided through C4HR-PH will help human rights defenders conduct their crucial advocacy work, safeguard private data, and advance justice and accountability without disruption or retribution.

“Now more than ever, civil society organizations are reliant on technology and the internet to operate and pursue our advocacies,” said Sheila Formento, National Coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups, a coalition of organizations that provide legal services to marginalized communities.  “We welcome this partnership as it helps us protect our members who are constantly online and vulnerable to cyberattacks.”

C4HR-PH underscores USAID’s commitment to fostering secure, empowered, and resilient organizations that can continue their critical work of promoting human rights and democracy.

“Cyber resilience is not just about protecting data; it is about ensuring that democracy defenders can continue their vital work without fear of digital interference,” USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said during the launch event attended by human rights advocates, cybersecurity experts, and other stakeholders.  “This initiative reflects USAID’s commitment to fostering a safe and open digital space for civil society.”

“Civil society organizations are considered a high-risk community for cyberattacks because they can become under direct threat of malicious attackers but have limited defense capabilities.  This crucial program will give our participants the tools and knowledge to better prevent disruptions, defend themselves, and continue to advance the work that they do,” said The Asia Foundation Philippines Country Representative Sam Chittick.