Memory Bandera

International Development | Human Rights | Governance | Institutional Strengthening | Championing African-led Solutions

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

With our Executive Director @Hassan_shire back in the office, our management team convened its weekly meetings to strategise on the last quarter of the year.
Today’s meeting focused on planning for the final quarter and aligning both existing and emerging priorities across our program areas of Protection, Digital Security and Advocacy.

As we launch the final quarter of the year, we are turning the reflections from our mid-year staff retreat into action points. During the retreat we dedicated time to assess the year reviewing the progress made, analysing what is working well, discussing challenges encountered, and aligning our priorities for the months ahead.

We remain focused on strengthening our collective efforts to protect and promote the rights of human rights defenders across Africa.

#20yearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

The @IrlEmbUganda team, led by Ms Jill Clements, Head of Cooperation, paid a courtesy visit to the DefendDefenders offices.

The visit provided an opportunity for a constructive exchange on Uganda’s evolving context, emerging developments and shared areas of interest, as well as to exchange perspectives on the broader civic space environment.

We appreciate the Irish Embassy’s continued engagement and longstanding partnership with DefendDefenders and look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

📢 UPR 5th cycle: DefendDefenders launches a paper to suggest improvements & feed discussions 🚨

In “A stronger UPR for the 5th cycle: Practical reforms for greater impact,” we suggest ways to improve the Universal Periodic Review by outlining guiding principles for any reform and formulating recommendations on possible adjustments. The ultimate aim is to increase the UPR’s impact at the national level.

🗒️ Read/download the paper here: https://t.co/VOL4LBoHq3 🇺🇳 #UPR #UPR53 #UPR54 #HRC63

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Join us this Wednesday, 22 July 2026, as Racheal and Rose share practical experiences and lessons on protecting personal and sensitive information, navigating the ethical use of technology, and strengthening digital safety in human rights work. The conversation will be moderated by our Communications Officer, @Rita_Kanya.

Register here: https://t.co/D4mLwgq72Y

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🛎️ We just wrapped up the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC62), which marked the Council's 20th anniversary. 🇺🇳

📝 Read @Hassan_Shire's Reflections on the session, what the anniversary means for us, and our priorities (including Eritrea & Sudan): https://t.co/HCBsm736GD💡

▶️ PDF with clickable links (one-pager/visual summary — “HRC62 Takeaways for Africa”): https://t.co/9d6HLVGfi5 ◀️

#HRCat20 #HRC62 #ElObeid #Sudan #Eritrea #HRDs

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Today we host a timely and inspiring conversation focused on collective care of human rights defenders.

Meet our speakers:

🔹 Ayoup Ibrahim – Sudanese medical doctor and human rights defender, sharing firsthand experiences of working through conflict, displacement, and trauma while continuing to serve others.

🔹 DJE Bi Tchan Guillaume – Psychologist from Ivory Coast., offering expert insights into the long-term effects of trauma and pathways to healing.

🔹 Omhle Ntshingila – Project coordinator at Right2Protest, championing the rights and wellbeing of those who courageously speak out.

The conversation will be moderated by Karis Moses Oteba, wellbeing team lead at DefendDefenders, and will also feature powerful testimonies from human rights defenders across Africa, sharing stories of resilience, healing, and hope.

This is more than a webinar, it's a space to connect, reflect, learn, and be reminded that those who defend human rights deserve care too.

📅 Tuesday, 30 June 2026
⏰ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM EAT
💻 Virtual Webinar

👉 Register now and secure your place in the conversation:
https://t.co/jM11BLWPBE
#WellbeingInAdversity

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🗣️ Today, on the occasion of the 2⃣0⃣th anniversary of the first session of the UN Human Rights Council, @Forum_Asia delivered a statement on behalf of the 3⃣ regional organisations with an office in Geneva, which have over the years facilitated the participation of hundreds of #HRDs in the @UN_HRC's work 🇺🇳

We stressed that the Council remains a lifeline for HRDs, civil society, and victims & survivors worldwide. We also asked panellists how to overcome mounting challenges.

⏩ Full statement: https://t.co/Zq5umj6Rm7 ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

#HRC62 #HRCat20

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🚨 “The HRC at 20: A Lifeline for Defenders” — civil society event for the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council 🗣️

Whether you're in Geneva or online, make sure to attend this important side event moderated by our Executive Director, Hassan Shire. As the @UN_HRC turns 2⃣0⃣, human rights defenders from across the world will join us to discuss why they turn to the HRC, what difference the Coun­cil makes on the ground, and how they use its outcomes for their national- & regional-level advocacy.

🗓️ Tuesday 16 June 2026
⏰ 13:00-14:00 CET (14:00-15:00 EAT / 11:00-12:00 GMT)
📍 Palais des Nations (@UNGeneva), Room IX, and online
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

▶️ Webex link: https://t.co/GMZbpazXQW (mtg. number: 2740 461 3760 | pw: TCe9RAXNw85)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

#HRC62 #HRCat20 #HRDs #CivicSpace #StandUp4HumanRights ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

🙏 Thanks to partners @CIHRS_Alerts & @Forum_Asia and all co-sponsors: @AfricaDefenders, @amnesty, @CCPR_Centre, @ciel_tweets, @CIVICUSalliance, @fidh_en, @omctorg, @FranciscansIntl, @gva4humanrights, Geneva Human Rights Hub, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, @GulfCentre4HR, @HRHFoundation, @hrw, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea, @IBAHRI, @ICJ_org, @ISHRglobal, @MENA_Rights, @PBI_ISEC, @TLHR2014, @UPRinfo 🫱🏾‍🫲🏻

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Thank you Ambassador @JanSadek for hosting a lovely celebration to commemorate 50 years of the @EUinUG's cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Uganda. This milestone marks five decades of partnership, development and shared progress. Since 2011, the European Union continues to be a valued and consistent partner of @AfricaDefenders and DefendDefenders. We appreciate it's crucial support for the protection of human rights defenders that has enabled them to carry out their work safely and effectively. Viva Africa, Viva Europe!

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

📢 And it is officially launched! 🇨🇩

La Coalition Nationale des Défenseurs des Droits Humains en #RDC voit le jour aujourd'hui, 30 avril 2026. Elle constituera une plateforme vitale pour la protection, la réponse rapide face aux menaces, le renforcement des capacités et le plaidoyer en faveur de la protection des #DDH dans le pays.

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in the #DRC starts its existence, today, 30 April 2026. It will be a key platform for protection, rapid response, capacity-building, and advocacy for #HRD protection in the country.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🚨 We are in Kinshasa! Bonjour Kinshasa! 🇨🇩

Aujourd'hui, avec nos partenaires congolais, nous lançons la Coalition nationale pour les défenseurs des droits humains en #RDC. Suivez l'événement en direct à partir de 9h00 WAT / 11h00 EAT: https://t.co/vh5Bq2FVUq (Meeting ID: 274 129 1899 / Password: G51JmR)

Today, with Congolese partners, we're launching the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders in the #DRC. Follow the proceedings from 09:00am WAT / 11:00am EAT.

@Hassan_Shire @bikjo @annie_bambe @Marie_JoNtsh #RDCongo #SociétéCivile #DroitsHumains #ParticipationCitoyenne ✊✊✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire , together with our Director of Programs and Administration, @MemoryBandera, were pleased to be part of the King's Day celebration hosted last week at the invitation of Her Excellency @FrederiekeQ.

On this special occasion marking the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, we extend our warm wishes for his continued good health and leadership, and join in celebrating the values of unity, partnership, and shared commitment to human rights that this day represents.

We appreciate the continued partnership with the Embassy and their support for human rights and the work of human rights defenders in the region.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

As we conclude this year’s #SheDefends campaign, we celebrate the powerful voices of women human rights defenders(WHRDs) across Africa. For seven years now, March has been dedicated to recognising and amplifying their vital contributions in advancing rights, justice, and equality.

While progress has been made, WHRDs continue to face significant legal and social barriers. Throughout this campaign, we took time to highlight how WHRDs can leverage regional and international mechanisms to advance justice, strengthen protection, and hold duty bearers accountable. Despite these frameworks, implementation gaps persist, and WHRDs remain at heightened risk.

Yet, their resilience and impact continue to drive change; defending communities, advancing justice, and pushing for these protections to be realised in practice. From all of us at DefendDefenders: we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you. Your courage inspires, and we are rooting for you throughout the year.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

✍️ Read @Hassan_Shire's “Reflections” on the 6⃣1⃣st session of the UN Human Rights Council 🇺🇳

Despite political polarisation & a deepening UN financial crisis, the @UN_HRC delivered meaningful outcomes, including on #SouthSudan 🇸🇸. For DefendDefenders, #HRC61 was also an opportunity for high-level engagements, to keep a spotlight on crises (including in #Sudan 🇸🇩 & #Ethiopia 🇪🇹), and to advocate for civic space & independent mechanisms set up by the Council.

▶️ Full Reflections: https://t.co/lYue8rPMtz

▶️ One-pager (visual summary — PDF with clickable links): ❝HRC61 outcomes for Africa❞: https://t.co/oizBFH4Y0s

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire , and Director of Programs and Administration, @MemoryBandera, were delighted to join the @IrlEmbUganda in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day last week.

The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Irish culture and heritage. We value the partnership and continued support for our work.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Let’s recap yesterday’s X Space #SheDefends conversation on advancing justice for women human rights defenders (WHRDs).

Our Director of Programs and Administration, @MemoryBandera, opened the discussion by reflecting on her experience engaging with women human rights defenders(WHRDs) across the region. She highlighted how many WHRDs, especially those working in rural communities, often carry out critical work under immense pressure, sometimes without knowing that regional and international protection mechanisms exist to support them.

Through the story of a rural WHRD documenting land rights violations, Memory emphasised an important point: legal frameworks like the Maputo Protocol and the African Commission Human and Peoples’ Rights can only make a difference if WHRDs know about them and feel able to access them.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

🇺🇳 #HRC61 continues in Geneva. Today, during a general debate on item 3⃣, DefendDefenders presented its report on the #RightToProtest, ❝ They Won’t Silence the People ❞, which was launched during its 20th anniversary celebrations (November 2025).

▶️ Download the report: https://t.co/pbH3kC4DQ1 🔍

▶️ Full statement delivered today: https://t.co/joJPjnb1HP ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

#Mozambique🇲🇿 #Senegal🇸🇳 #Tunisia🇹🇳 #Uganda🇺🇬

https://t.co/UTqDBn2x9C

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

We are in week two of our #SheDefends campaign! As part of our ongoing conversation on advancing justice for WHRDs defending the rights of others, join us this Friday, 13 March 2026, for a special X Space discussion moderated by our Director of Programs and Administration, @MemoryBandera.

Together, we’ll explore:
1. Legal and social barriers to justice for WHRDs
2. Effectiveness of regional and international legal frameworks(laws and policies)
3. Recommendations to strengthen protection and access to justice
📅 Date: Friday, 13 March 2026
⏰ Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM East African Time (EAT)

Be part of the conversation and together let us advance justice and protection for WHRDs!

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Happy Women’s Day
Joyeuse journée de la femme
عيد سعيد للمرأة
Heri ya Siku ya Wanawake

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. In a special way, we celebrate women human rights defenders and recognise the vital contributions they make to building more just and equal societies.

As we celebrate their work and impact, we also call on everyone to play a role in protecting those who defend the rights of others by advancing justice for them, through raising awareness, supporting women human rights defenders, and advocating for stronger protections for their work.

#SheDefends
#IWD2026

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Today, we kick off our annual month long #SheDefends campaign, which aims to amplify the voices of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) across Africa. This year, we will place particular emphasis on existing regional and international legal frameworks that recognise and protect women’s rights, affirm the legitimacy of WHRDs, and guarantee protection for those who defend the rights of others. While these frameworks provide important safeguards, WHRDs continue to face disproportionate risks, including threats, harassment, reprisals, and structural exclusion.
Throughout the month of March, we will seek to examine where the gap between paper and practice lies and how commitments can translate into meaningful protection.

Be part of the conversation using #SheDefends.