Know your rights as a protester

CIVICUS Voices

Summary

In this episode, we give tips to stay safe while protesting. What are some safety recommendations for before, during and after a march or protest? Can you lose your job or get expelled from your university for attending a protest? What happens when you protest in a country that restrict civic freedoms?

Guests:

Michael Wrase, a professor of public law and a constitutional law expert at the Berlin Social Science Center.

Omhle Ntshingila, Project Coordinator at Right2Protest movement in South Africa.

Recommendations:

Know Your Rights: Protest guidebook & phonebook by CIVICUS. This guide covers important issues such as legal policing practices, accountability mechanisms for violations, as well as practical information on equipment and location considerations for peaceful assemblies. This guide is available in four languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic. You can use the guide as an activist, at your organization, so spread the word!

If you need someone to reach out to in case you need support, there’s the Vuka Protest Support Phonebook, you can find various types of support from nearly 30 international and regional civil society organizations that can protect and elevate the impact of your protests.

Guide on ‘Organizing a protest’ by Right2Protest and Action Takers

You can find CIVICUS online and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. CIVICUS Voices is hosted by Aarti Narsee and produced by Elna Schutz, Jamaine Krige, and the CIVICUS team.