DefendDefenders

We promote, protect, & strengthen the work of human rights defenders (#HRDs) in the East & Horn of Africa sub-region. Retweets aren't endorsements.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

We’re pleased to be part of Nafasi, a new pan-African initiative running from 2026–2028 to strengthen digital safety and inclusive online participation across Sub Saharan Africa.

Led by Magamba Network and implemented with DefendDefenders and Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), Nafasi will support civil society actors to respond to growing digital threats and promote safer, more inclusive digital spaces.

From online harassment to disinformation, digital risks continue to affect civil society across the continent. Through Nafasi, we aim to support journalists, women human rights defenders, young activists, and grassroots actors to organize, communicate, and participate more safely online.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Thank you @NorAmbTz for hosting a lovely evening in honor of the 212th anniversary of Norway’s Constitution Day. It was a cheerful night filled with joyous celebrations.

Gratulerer med dagen!

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our Advocacy, Research and Communications Manager, @Kaka_estella , delivered an oral intervention following the presentation of the Activity Report of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Reprisals in Africa, Hon. Remmy Ngoy Lumbu, under Item 6. In her intervention, she highlighted the deteriorating situation of human rights defenders across Africa, drawing attention to increasing restrictions on civic space, attacks on journalists and activists, the growing use of restrictive laws to silence dissent, and the urgent need for stronger action by the Commission to promote accountability and protect fundamental freedoms across the continent.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

At the start of Day 3 of #ACHPR87, our Communications Officer, @Rita_Kanya , delivered DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders' statement on the human rights situation in Africa under Item 4.

In our statement, we highlighted the worsening human rights situation across the East and Horn of Africa, drawing attention to ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, shrinking civic space, and increasing restrictions on democratic participation. The statement also called for stronger action by States to ensure humanitarian access in conflict affected areas, protect civilians, strengthen democratic governance and electoral integrity, repeal restrictive laws limiting civic space, and extend the mandate of the Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan to support a more comprehensive response to the ongoing crisis.

Click this link to read the full statement; https://t.co/lX6vwnFb9I

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

At the start of Day 3 of #ACHPR87, our Communications Officer, @Rita_Kanya , delivered DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders' statement on the human rights situation in Africa under Item 4.

In our statement, we highlighted the worsening human rights situation across the East and Horn of Africa, drawing attention to ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, shrinking civic space, and increasing restrictions on democratic participation. The statement also called for stronger action by States to ensure humanitarian access in conflict affected areas, protect civilians, strengthen democratic governance and electoral integrity, repeal restrictive laws limiting civic space, and extend the mandate of the Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan to support a more comprehensive response to the ongoing crisis.

Click this link to read the full statement; https://t.co/lX6vwnFb9I

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

On the margins of #ACHPR87, our delegation took part in three side events on Day 2, each offering a space for reflection and practical conversations on some of the most pressing human rights issues facing the continent.

The afternoon began with a side event organised by CIVICUS, where research findings were presented on current trends shaping civic space across Africa. Discussions explored the data collection process and key findings on restrictions to civic freedoms and shrinking civic space, while also reflecting on how the regional human rights mechanism of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights can better respond to these evolving realities.

The second side event brought together the ACHPR-AU Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, alongside Sudanese civil society organisations, for a discussion focused on the findings of both missions, civil society documentation of violations, and practical ways to strengthen engagement in documentation, protection, referrals, and accountability efforts amid the ongoing crisis. The session also underscored the importance of stronger coordination between accountability mechanisms and civil society actors working to support affected communities.

The day concluded with a side event on protection laws for human rights defenders in Central Africa, where participants examined the effectiveness of existing legal protection frameworks in the region. The discussion reflected on implementation challenges, institutional gaps, and the need for stronger legal and regional mechanisms to ensure these protections translate into meaningful safeguards for defenders on the ground.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Day 2 of #ACHPR87 got off to a strong start with a panel discussion on the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

During the session, the Banjul Joint Declaration on Sudan was formally endorsed and adopted by both the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The declaration calls on all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate with accountability mechanisms by granting access, facilitating engagement with victims and witnesses, and preserving evidence of violations.

It also urges Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, the United Nations, Member States, and regional and international partners to take concrete and timely steps to implement recommendations focused on:

• Protecting civilians
• Ensuring humanitarian access
• Supporting survivors through medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance
• Protecting human rights defenders and other frontline actors documenting violations
• Preserving evidence and advancing accountability
• Supporting an inclusive civilian-led pathway toward peace and democratic governance
A central message from the discussion was clear: there can be no durable solution to Sudan’s crisis through military means alone.
Both missions stressed that Sudan’s future must be shaped through an inclusive civilian-led political process that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people, civil society, and communities from across the country.
The declaration also called on the international community to intensify coordinated efforts to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations, advance accountability, and prevent further escalation.
As powerfully stated in the declaration, neither impunity nor military force can secure Sudan’s future. Only a path grounded in protection, justice, accountability, and inclusive civilian governance can lay the foundation for lasting peace.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Day 2 of #ACHPR87 got off to a strong start with a panel discussion on the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.

During the session, the Banjul Joint Declaration on Sudan was formally endorsed and adopted by both the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The declaration calls on all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate with accountability mechanisms by granting access, facilitating engagement with victims and witnesses, and preserving evidence of violations.

It also urges Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, the United Nations, Member States, and regional and international partners to take concrete and timely steps to implement recommendations focused on:

• Protecting civilians
• Ensuring humanitarian access
• Supporting survivors through medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance
• Protecting human rights defenders and other frontline actors documenting violations
• Preserving evidence and advancing accountability
• Supporting an inclusive civilian-led pathway toward peace and democratic governance
A central message from the discussion was clear: there can be no durable solution to Sudan’s crisis through military means alone.
Both missions stressed that Sudan’s future must be shaped through an inclusive civilian-led political process that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people, civil society, and communities from across the country.
The declaration also called on the international community to intensify coordinated efforts to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations, advance accountability, and prevent further escalation.
As powerfully stated in the declaration, neither impunity nor military force can secure Sudan’s future. Only a path grounded in protection, justice, accountability, and inclusive civilian governance can lay the foundation for lasting peace.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Earlier today, the 87th Ordinary Public Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially opened in Banjul, setting the stage for important conversations on human rights, governance, peace, and accountability across the continent for the next 10 days.

The opening session marked the beginning of a significant commemorative period for Africa’s human rights system.

In her remarks, Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reminded participants, Commission commemorates 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 June 1981, 40 years since its entry into force on 21 October 1986, and looks ahead to 40 years of the African Commission in November 2027.

She noted that this is not simply a moment to celebrate progress, but one for reflection, renewed commitment, and repositioning.

Her message was a call to reflect on what previous generations entrusted to us, what is being done with that legacy today, and what future we are building for generations to come.

#DDATACHPR87 #ACHPR87OS

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🚨 In a letter released today, civil society draws states' attention to ongoing grave human rights violations in #Eritrea, entrenched impunity, and transnational repression targeting the Eritrean diaspora.

🔟 years after the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Eritrea released its final report, we call on @UN_HRC to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea and identify options to advance accountability.

▶️ Full letter: https://t.co/gueXUVY3bm 🇪🇷🇺🇳

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

While formally opening the session, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, challenged the commission to ensure this session delivers outcomes that can be measured and acted upon.

He went on to propose five key priorities for the session:

1. Accelerating domestication of regional human rights instruments, noting that good resolutions without implementation mechanisms remain aspirations rather than protections.
2. Adequately resourcing African human rights institutions, particularly the Commission and the Court, to enable them to effectively deliver on their mandates.
3. Strengthening the connection between human rights, peace, and security.
4. Addressing emerging challenges such as climate displacement, which he noted is no longer a future risk but a present reality.
5. Ensuring greater inclusion of young people through genuine and structured participation in shaping responses to human rights issues across the continent.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Earlier today, the 87th Ordinary Public Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially opened in Banjul, setting the stage for important conversations on human rights, governance, peace, and accountability across the continent for the next 10 days.

The opening session marked the beginning of a significant commemorative period for Africa’s human rights system.

In her remarks, Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reminded participants, Commission commemorates 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 June 1981, 40 years since its entry into force on 21 October 1986, and looks ahead to 40 years of the African Commission in November 2027.

She noted that this is not simply a moment to celebrate progress, but one for reflection, renewed commitment, and repositioning.

Her message was a call to reflect on what previous generations entrusted to us, what is being done with that legacy today, and what future we are building for generations to come.

#DDATACHPR87 #ACHPR87OS

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Hon. Sow Idrissa, Chairperson of the @achpr_cadhp , paid tribute to all those who contributed to those that drafted African Charter, shared in its vision, and to the Heads of State and Government whose decisions gave life to its adoption and implementation. He noted that their collective efforts have contributed significantly to the transformation witnessed across African states over the years.
He also expressed concern over ongoing human rights challenges across the continent, including violations in conflict settings, the abuse of electoral processes, restrictions on freedom of expression, the imprisonment of human rights defenders, harmful practices against women and girls such as early marriage and female genital mutilation, as well as the growing impact of climate change.
At the same time, he highlighted positive developments, including the ratification of the Maputo Protocol by Guinea-Bissau and the ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child by Togo, noting these as encouraging signs of renewed commitment by member states to strengthening Africa’s human rights framework.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

RECAP of Day 3 of the NGO Forum: Yesterday, marked the conclusion of three days of critical reflection and dialogue under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” While the Forum centred on advancing discussions around water and sanitation as fundamental human rights, it also provided a vital platform for addressing broader pressing human rights concerns and ongoing violations across the continent.
Recap of Day 3 of the NGO Forum: The NGO Forum came to an end yesterday, concluding three days of critical reflection and dialogue under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” While discussions centred on advancing water and sanitation as fundamental human rights, the Forum also provided important space for urgent conversations on pressing human rights concerns and ongoing violations across the continent.
A key highlight of Day 3 was the presentation of the Draft Declaration on the Promotion of the Role of Human and Peoples’ Rights Defenders and their Protection in Africa by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Hon. Remmy Ngoy Lumbu. The session sparked engaging discussion among human rights defenders, who offered substantive recommendations on areas for strengthening the declaration and sought clarity on several of its provisions.
The Forum concluded with the adoption of 17 resolutions addressing urgent thematic and country-specific human rights concerns.
Thematic resolutions focused on digital rights, women’s rights, people of African descent, monitoring the human rights situation in Central Africa, forced displacement and non-refoulement in Sudan, Egypt, and Libya, xenophobia in South Africa, and sexual violence in Eastern DRC.
Country-specific resolutions addressed the human rights situations in Zimbabwe, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali, Libya, Chad, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Mauritania. The Forum also adopted a resolution calling for the reconsideration of resolutions submitted in October 2025 concerning Sudan, Algeria, The Gambia, and Egypt.
These resolutions will now be presented as recommendations for adoption during the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which begins tomorrow.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Day 2 of the NGO Forum: We caught up with members of our delegation from Uganda, Sudan, and Kenya, who shared their expectations regarding their engagements at the NGO Forum and the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Their focus spans key moments on today’s agenda including panel discussions on feminist approaches to peace and justice as well as unconstitutional changes of government in Sudan.

Our delegation is also looking forward to contributing to the Special Interest Group discussions taking place later today, as part of broader efforts to help shape advocacy priorities ahead of the public session.

#DDATACHPR87

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our delegation from the East and Horn of Africa is taking part in the NGO Forum preceding the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, convened under the theme: “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”
At the opening ceremony of the Forum, keynote speakers underscored the urgency of this year’s theme, noting that at a time when several countries across the continent are grappling with conflict, many communities continue to be denied the basic right to clean water and safe sanitation. They also acknowledged that civil society from across the continent is convening at a critical moment marked by shrinking civic space, ongoing conflict, and continued human rights violations across Africa.
Over the next three days, panel discussions and thematic sessions in special interest groups will examine pressing human rights issues across the continent. During today’s panel on the state of human rights and democracy across Africa’s sub-regions, our Senior Programs Officer, @shakkeza , presented an evidence-based overview of the East and Horn of Africa, highlighting deepening political repression, armed conflict, and the continued deterioration of civic space across the region between November 2025 and April 2026.

#DDATACHPR87