Tele2 and Civil Rights Defenders have entered a partnership in which Tele2 provides IoT connectivity to the global security system of Civil Rights Defenders’ Natalia Project, protecting human rights defenders all over the world.
Civil Rights Defenders’ Natalia Project was created in 2013 to promote freedom of speech and protect human right defenders in countries where threats, or even attacks, might be used to silence outspoken voices. In short, each participating human rights defender is provided with security training and a security device that can activate an alarm instantly in situations where the human rights defender faces an immediate threat. The alarm sends a distress signal with a GPS location to nearby local contacts, as well as to Civil Rights Defenders’ headquarters in Stockholm, enabling instant local and global support.
Going forward, Tele2’s IoT connectivity will provide all units in the Natalia Project’s global security system with the best connectivity possible, including roaming in more than 450 networks all over the world.
- “No tangible change can be achieved when you constantly live in fear of retribution. The Natalia Project has freed me from that fear, so I can amplify the voice of my people knowing that someone is watching over me”, says Phyllis Omido, a Kenyan environmental human rights defender who participates in the Natalia Project.
- “Tele2 has always been a firm protector of freedom of speech. We have enabled it by providing alternative connectivity, but also fought for it, in many countries over the years. It feels great to support Civil Rights Defenders and the Natalia Project with our high quality and reliable IoT connectivity, to make sure all units ceaselessly provide security and comfort for brave human rights defenders in challenging communities”, says Anders Nilsson, President and CEO of Tele2.
- “Sadly, there is a growing need to protect outspoken voices, be it from authoritarian states or other powerful offenders. The Natalia Project is a unique global security system that has proven to be absolutely crucial when human rights defenders face immediate danger. Partnering with a reliable supplier of worldwide connectivity for our alarms is therefore a very important step, not only for Civil Rights Defenders, but also for all human rights defenders participating in the project”, says Anders L. Pettersson, Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders.
