Mary Pais Da Silva

African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award Winner-2023, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders, Powerhouse

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

@KobusingyeNora , we see you, we hear you, we recognise you and we celebrate you. Keep fighting the good fight. Know that we stand in solidarity, love and support with you and all WHRDs in Africa and Beyond.
#IWD2025
#CelebrateWHRDs
#SafeguardWHRDs

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

#IWD2025 🧵: Honouring Women Human Rights Defenders – A Legacy of Resistance, A Future of Inclusion

On this International Women’s Day 2025, we stand in full solidarity with Women Human Rights Defenders (#WHRDs) across Africa and beyond who continue to resist oppression, challenge systemic injustice, and fight for gender equality—often at great personal risk.

We also honour Norah Kobusingye @KobusingyeNora, the @whrdinitiative 2024 Africa WHRD of the Year, for her fearless stand against corruption and systemic oppression.

Today, we are in #Uganda for the #AfricaWHRDAward ceremony, celebrating her heart work with her community and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding WHRDs across the continent.

#CelebrateWHRDs
#SafeguardWHRDs

Read our full statement:

[AfricanDefenders @AfricaDefenders]

@RedhacRedhac a été une force infatigable, mettant en lumière les violations des droits de l'homme au Cameroun - où le monde a fermé les yeux. Alors que le gouvernement suspend injustement ses activités, nous devons élever la voix encore plus fort.

Il ne s'agit pas seulement du REDHAC, il s'agit de défendre l'espace des défenseurs des droits de l'homme partout dans le monde. Nous sommes solidaires du REDHAC et exigeons :
📢 La levée immédiate de cette suspension injuste.
📢 La protection de l'espace civique au Cameroun.
📢 La responsabilisation de ceux qui réduisent au silence les défenseurs de la justice.
Le travail que fait le REDHAC est trop important pour être réduit au silence. Il est temps de nous unir, de montrer notre soutien et d'exiger la justice que les défenseurs des droits de l'homme du Cameroun méritent.

Lire la déclaration complète et voir tous les signataires :
https://t.co/gJ8nvf0Z4l
#StandWithWithREDHAC
@UN_Cameroon

[AfricanDefenders @AfricaDefenders]

@RedhacRedhac has been a tireless force, spotlighting human rights abuses in Cameroon—where the world has turned a blind eye. As the government unjustly suspends their operations, we must raise our voices even louder.

This is not just about REDHAC; it is about defending the space for human rights defenders everywhere. We stand in solidarity with REDHAC and demand:
📢 The immediate lifting of this unjust suspension.
📢 Protection for civic space in Cameroon.
📢 Accountability for those who silence defenders of justice.
The work REDHAC does is too important to be silenced. It is time to stand together, show our support, and demand the justice that Cameroon’s human rights defenders deserve.

Read the full statement and see all the signatories:
https://t.co/gJ8nvf0Z4l
#StandWithREDHAC
@UN_Cameroon

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

We try to lead the way @whrdinitiative #SafeguardingWHRDs in Africa and Beyond

[Channel Africa @channelafrica1]

As the world observes Human Rights Day on 10 December, Africa faces rising human rights violations. @Pais_Mary, Human Rights Defender, Attorney, a& Co-Founder @whrdinitiative, joins @PeterNdoro a& @AurelieKalenga to discuss the threats & challenges on the continent

#RiseandShine

[Norah kobusingye @KobusingyeNora]

I'm completely overwhelmed with gratitude. I want to extend my deepest thanks to @whrdinitiative for this incredible honor. I dedicate this award to the brave women who survived the kigogwa fuel tanker explosion.
Special thanks to @Pais_Mary & @MaryLawlorhrds
#WHRDDay

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

A story of the two Mary’s…one the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of HRDs @MaryLawlorhrds and the other the Co-Director of the @whrdinitiative having a kindred moment at the #AWHRDC2024 on the #IWHRDDay It has been a pleasure and honour!!

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

Mam’ Fikile remains a beacon for us still in the struggle of #SafeguardingWHRDs

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

Honouring Mam’ Fikile Ntshangase: Courage, Justice, and A Legacy Sustained by Nature

Today, @whrdinitiative honours the legacy of Mam’ Fikile Ntshangase, a courageous woman human rights defender who sacrificed her life in the fight for environmental justice and community rights. Her bravery and steadfast commitment to protecting the land, nature, and people of Somkhele continue to inspire us. As we commemorate her, we renew the call for justice and vow to carry forward her mission for a sustainable future rooted in courage and dignity.

🔗 Link to Full Statement: https://t.co/5nLOlFFUez

@ForstMichel @RuralWomen3 @Pais_Mary @naturaljustice @LifeAfterCoal @FundHumanRights @rachaelmwiks @EnvDefenseFund @WHRDhub @WHRDIC @macua_sa @ALLRISElegal @WoMin_Africa @Sophie_Mokoena @vanessa_vash @WangariMaathai @MaryLawlorhrds @CIVICUSalliance @SaveSacredLands @landcoalition @ALLIEDdefenders @WHRDconvention @whrds_at_risk @AfricaDefenders @AfricanWHRD

#SafeguardWHRDs #WHRDs #RuralWomen #LandRights #justiceforFikile

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

Join us in 20ish minutes

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

Our space starts soon. Set a reminder for it here! https://t.co/X3cJPFsFT8

@WHRDSomalia @WHRDhub @WalpeAcademy @RfldOrg @WemUganda @SOMWIM1 @achpr_cadhp @Pais_Mary @MaryLawlorhrds @africanngos @WHRDIC @FordFoundation @OpenSociety @DefendDefenders @DefendersKE @sshrdNetwork @IM_Defensoras @ElliotOrizaarwa @eva_tarie @samkebusiness @ke_phele @mamacash @Ginitastar @namataik_ @NwoesR @ProtectHRDs

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

Join us in 30ish minutes as we begin the journey to the 2024 AWHRD Convention

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

X Space Alert!

Join us for a powerful discussion on resilience and #HumanRights advocacy.

Date: October 3rd, 2024
Time: 18:00hrs CAT
Topic: The Power of Resilience in the Face of Adversity: How do #WHRDs harness resilience to persist in their fight for human rights?

As we countdown to the Africa WHRD Convention 2024 @WHRDconvention in Accra, Ghana (November 28-30), we invite you to join this insightful space hosted by the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative featuring @ElliotOrizaarwa and @MoreTebe, moderated by @Pais_Mary.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from inspiring WHRDs and connect with like-minded individuals.

Register now for the convention: https://t.co/JOCU2r3Lyw

And set a reminder for the space here: https://t.co/6aecJw5iQL

#SafeguardingWHRDs #AfricaWHRDConvention2024 #BeyondResilience #ConventionCountdown #AWHRDC2024 #HumanRights #Advocacy

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

X Space Alert!

Join us for a powerful discussion on resilience and #HumanRights advocacy.

Date: October 3rd, 2024
Time: 18:00hrs CAT
Topic: The Power of Resilience in the Face of Adversity: How do #WHRDs harness resilience to persist in their fight for human rights?

As we countdown to the Africa WHRD Convention 2024 @WHRDconvention in Accra, Ghana (November 28-30), we invite you to join this insightful space hosted by the African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative featuring @ElliotOrizaarwa and @MoreTebe, moderated by @Pais_Mary.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from inspiring WHRDs and connect with like-minded individuals.

Register now for the convention: https://t.co/JOCU2r3Lyw

And set a reminder for the space here: https://t.co/6aecJw5iQL

#SafeguardingWHRDs #AfricaWHRDConvention2024 #BeyondResilience #ConventionCountdown #AWHRDC2024 #HumanRights #Advocacy

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

@Smith_JeffreyT @Mlungis_Makhany @rachelmsavage Thanks

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

We’re live in the next 30ish minutes. Do join us for this discussion

[PALU @LawyersofAfrica]

🚨 Urgent Conversation Alert!🚨

Join us for a powerful discussion on the Deportation and Extradition Risks facing Human Rights Defenders and Pro-Democracy Activists—focusing on the critical situations in Kenya & Uganda.

🗓️ When: 5th September @ 18:00Hrs (EAT)
📍 Where: ✖Spaces via link to Twitter Spaces https://t.co/dpTOMNoOQ0 #ElectionsAndRuleOfLawSeries

Don’t miss this chance to stand in solidarity and learn how we can protect those on the front lines of justice. Your voice matters!

@ICJKenya @tsunga_arnold @donalddeya @civicspaceaf @Pais_Mary @kathryn_omega

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

https://t.co/eODjeDP6f5

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

#Zimbabwe: We are concerned by reports of arrests, harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and political activists in the lead up to the @SADC_News summit.

We call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and protection of civic space.

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

Catch us in 30 minutes

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

MEET OUR ABLE SPEAKERS

MARY PAIS DASILVA

Justice Systems and Electoral Integrity

Thursday 8 August 2024

2-4pm CAT
3-5pm EAT
12-1pm GMT

Link: https://t.co/mdHwXNoLiJ

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

#ReleaseNamataiKwekweza
#SafeguardingWHRDs

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

We are deeply disturbed by the arbitrary arrest and forced disappearance of Woman Human Rights Defender (#WHRD), Namatai Kwekweza @namataik_ who was forcibly removed from a plane by state security agents this afternoon. Namatai's dedication to #HumanRights and justice is commendable, and her abrupt detention raises serious concerns about the respect for fundamental freedoms in #Zimbabwe. We urgently call for her immediate release and a thorough investigation into her whereabouts, safety, and well-being. The protection of #WHRDs is essential for upholding democracy and human rights for all.

#ReleaseNamatai #SafeguardingWHRDs

@weleadteam @MaryLawlorhrds @Ginitastar @SADC_News @_AfricanUnion @amnesty @HRF @FordFoundation @KofiAnnanFdn @AfricaDefenders @africanngos @OsloFF @UN @JusticeDefend @vanyaradzayi @achpr_cadhp @TamukaKagoro77 @wlsazw @advocatemahere

[African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders @whrdinitiative]

We are deeply disturbed by the arbitrary arrest and forced disappearance of Woman Human Rights Defender (#WHRD), Namatai Kwekweza @namataik_ who was forcibly removed from a plane by state security agents this afternoon. Namatai's dedication to #HumanRights and justice is commendable, and her abrupt detention raises serious concerns about the respect for fundamental freedoms in #Zimbabwe. We urgently call for her immediate release and a thorough investigation into her whereabouts, safety, and well-being. The protection of #WHRDs is essential for upholding democracy and human rights for all.

#ReleaseNamatai #SafeguardingWHRDs

@weleadteam @MaryLawlorhrds @Ginitastar @SADC_News @_AfricanUnion @amnesty @HRF @FordFoundation @KofiAnnanFdn @AfricaDefenders @africanngos @OsloFF @UN @JusticeDefend @vanyaradzayi @achpr_cadhp @TamukaKagoro77 @wlsazw @advocatemahere

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

@EswatiniGovern1 #RegisterESGM

[Mary Pais Da Silva @Pais_Mary]

We continue to strive for a country that will respect and uphold the rights of its citizens and bring an an to impunity for human rights violations

[The Resistance Bureau @ResistBureau]

We spoke with two extraordinary activists from #Eswatini (Swaziland) -- @BlackMambaV and @Pais_Mary -- to discuss the recent sentencing of pro-democracy MPs to prison as well as the broader context of repression in Africa's last absolute monarchy. Listen:
https://t.co/7R56q80gC7

[Kutakesa @kutakesa]

Hoje, realizamos em Luanda uma visita acadêmica de alto nível com líderes da #ComissãoAfricana e das #NaçõesUnidas. Discutimos a protecção dos direitos fundamentais em Angola, fortalecendo o compromisso da @kutakesa com um ambiente seguro para defensoresde direitos humanos.