New Tactics in Human Rights

What is the New Tactics in Human Rights Project?

Since 1999, the New Tactics in Human Rights project has created unique resources—organized around analysis of potential solutions rather than that of specific issues, geographic regions or target groups—that allow activists to clearly recognize the unique elements of their situation, and to seek promising approaches that have worked elsewhere and apply them to new regions or issues. It also improves activists’ ability to combine diverse tactics into complex strategies.

The New Tactics in Human Rights project is a project of the Center for Victims of Torture. ^[1]

The New Tactics Project’s methods have included:

In-person trainings, such as regional workshops in which activists train each other in tactics they have used and develop "tactical portfolios" of practical tools for applying new tactics. Seven workshops have been held, the most recent in Liberia in February 2007, focusing on post-conflict tactics for rebuilding civil society.

Publications, including the book New Tactics in Human Rights: A Resource for Practitioners, which offers a conceptual framework for thinking strategically and tactically to promote human rights, and gives dozens of examples of innovative tactics, categorized by the strategic situation in which they were used. Other popular publications include more than 45 Tactical Notebooks, created by participants from the regional cross-training workshops, that provide first-person, detailed information on the use of a tactic and how it may be adapted to other situations.

Tactical Mapping, a methodology to help identify the relationships surrounding a human rights abuse, and the points in which the system can be interrupted or transformed, ranging from highly local, personal relationships (e.g., the perpetrator’s professional associations) to international institutions (e.g., the UN system). It allows a coalition of advocates to see where each is working on the system, and where there are gaps that need to be addressed, either by creating new tactics or finding new allies.

Electronic Resources and Curricula, including the project’s website ^[2], online discussion courses, and an e-newsletter that highlights specific tactics and information for inspiring innovation. A revised version of the project website was launched in September 2007, featuring: new tools for sharing and networking; the blog InterTactica; and a monthly discussion of a featured type of tactic (for example: unarmed accompaniment; engaging the media; or using historical sites to spark discussion of current issues). These online discussions are named Tactical Dialogues.

1. ^ New Tactics in Human Rights
2. ^ ibid.