Dée Werter

Interest in human rights, women's rights, inclusive peace building and just transitions, social justice, artistic freedom, sustainability, environment, politics

[AfricanDefenders @AfricaDefenders]

Our Chairperson, Hassan Shire, welcomed 30 mentees from diverse backgrounds across the African continent as part of AfricanDefenders' Mentorship Programme: “Roots of Resilience.” During the introductory conversation, the mentees expressed their interest in establishing intergenerational connections, integrating a continental solidarity network, and creating a platform through the mentorship programme to incorporate youth perspectives into the African human rights movement. We anticipate having a rich and dynamic programme this year.

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

This evening, we officially close our offices for the year. However, our emergency protection lines remain open, and we will continue to respond to all protection needs of human rights defenders throughout the holiday season.

Please read our Executive Director @Hassan_Shire
End-of-Year Message via this link: https://t.co/aLK3uU2MQE

[UN Human Rights Council @UN_HRC]

🆕 The @UN Human Rights Council is holding a special session on the human rights situation in and around #ElFasher, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the #Sudan.

📆 14 November 2025

⏰ 9:00-13:00 (Geneva time)

📺 Watch #SS38 on YouTube
https://t.co/ypf80NRYfy

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

On 4 and 5 November 2025, we convened to commemorate two decades of protecting and promoting the work of human rights defenders (HRDs) since 2005. The two-day celebration, held in Kampala, Uganda, brought together over 200 HRDs, national, regional, and global human rights champions who reflected on our journey, honouring those we have lost and reimagining the future of human rights work.

The gathering featured high-level panel and group discussions, as well as the launch of two key initiatives: the Roots of Resilience Mentorship Programme and Endowment Fund. Together, these initiatives reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering HRDs and form part of our forward-looking reflection. They embody our vision for the years ahead, strengthening intergenerational learning, supporting emerging HRDs, and building sustainable mechanisms to safeguard those who continue to fight for the rights of the marginalised.

Click the link to read the full communique: https://t.co/cZHMerWfZW

#20YearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

PICTORIAL: We had three engaging panel discussions today. The first, “Intergenerational World Café: Navigating Global Uncertainties,” was excellently moderated by @Tabithador our Senior Manager Protection and Security Management and sparked meaningful intergenerational dialogue among human rights defenders.

In a parallel arrangement this afternoon, two additional panel sessions took place. One focused on the consultation for the upcoming report on digital surveillance and its chilling effects, while the other centred on Roots of Resilience, the mentorship programme launched during last night’s gala dinner.

The discussions highlighted efforts to strengthen intergenerational learning and support emerging human rights defenders through mentorship, guidance, and shared experiences.

#20YearsDefending

[EU in Uganda @EUinUG]

🇪🇺 Ambassador @JanSadek was delighted to join celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of @DefendDefenders, one of Africa's most respected #HumanRights institutions working, with EU support in🇺🇬, to protect & promote human rights defenders in the East & Horn of Africa sub-region

[Dée Werter @WerterDee]

RT @DefendDefenders: From the celebrations to capacity building as we reimagining safety and solidarity for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) i…

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

In his remarks this evening, H.E. Jan Sadek, the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, expressed the EU’s delight in having walked alongside DefendDefenders in protecting and promoting the work of human rights defenders throughout this journey, one that began in 2012. “Saving lives, strengthening organisations, and ensuring that defenders never stand alone. Together, we have helped relocate defenders in danger, provided legal aid, and built skills for safer and stronger activists. We have also supported the creation and strengthening of sub-regional networks for African defenders. That is what true partnership looks like: African partnership, European solidarity, and a shared belief that human rights are never negotiated.”

Acknowledging the growing challenges, he noted:
“Of course, the work is not easy. Many human rights defenders around the world continue to face violations of their rights, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and harassment. Civic space is shrinking, digital harassment is rising, and justice is too often left behind.”

He concluded by commending DefendDefenders’ unwavering role in advancing human rights across the region: “DefendDefenders proves that courage is contagious. You have stood at the forefront to protect and empower human rights defenders in some of the world’s most challenging environments. You document, you train, you inspire, and you save lives. DefendDefenders reminds us that defending rights is not only an act of resistance, it is an act of hope.”

#20YearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Tonight’s celebrations were crowned with a special moment of honour as our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire, received the Shield Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the work of human rights defenders.

#20YearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire , expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been part of our journey over the past two decades. He also took a moment to appreciate the unwavering support of our development partners, noting:
“We would not have come this far without the strategic partnership of our development partners, who have invested heavily in our work over the past 20 years. The trust we share today was not built in a day—it has been nurtured through constant engagement and open feedback. As Heather Wiley Starankovic once said, ‘Without trust, we don’t have authentic relationships. Without authentic, trusting relationships, we don’t have philanthropy.’

Your investment is manifested in this room and beyond. We truly appreciate your continued support.”

#20YearsDefending

[NTV UGANDA @ntvuganda]

I am encouraged by the development of local, national, and regional human rights defender networks that have emerged across Africa over the past ten years. I am also encouraged by the growing realisation within the international community, including governments, donors, and major NGOs, that it is the human rights defenders themselves who best understand their own situations. -@MaryLawlorhrds, @UN Special Rapporteur
#20YearsDefending
#ReimaginingHRDSafety

Cc @DefendDefenders

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

Our Director of Programmes and Administration, @MemoryBandera, moderated the opening ceremony of our 20th anniversary celebrations. In her remarks, she acknowledged the invaluable contributions of human rights defenders (HRDs); both those present and those living in exile; whose courage and resilience continue to inspire our work.

#20YearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

In 2005, DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Project) was registered as a regional non-governmental organisation. That same year, we convened our first Human Rights Defenders Conference in October in Entebbe, Uganda, bringing together 43 human rights defenders (HRDs) from across East and the Horn of Africa. The participants shared experiences, recognised that they faced many of the same challenges, and forged lasting bonds of solidarity.
Twenty years later, over the next two days, we are celebrating two decades of defending and promoting the work of HRDs. We are gathered once again, this time with more than 100 delegates, including HRDs, global champions, activists, and policymakers. The room is filled with an air of celebration and reflection as we come together to reimagine safety and solidarity for human rights defenders in shifting global trends.

#20YearsDefending

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

We are live on @ntvuganda - #MorningAtNTV

Our Advocacy, Research, and Communications Manager, @Kaka_estella , is discussing “20 Years of Defending Human Rights Defenders on the African Continent.” She’s sharing insights into our advocacy efforts, achievements, and vision for the future.

When asked about DefendDefenders’ work, Estella explained that our protection work encompasses both emergency and preventive measures, tailored to the unique situations of each human rights defender.

She also highlighted that advocacy and capacity building are key pillars of our approach, ensuring that defenders are not only protected but also empowered to influence policies, amplify their voices, and continue their vital work safely and effectively.

#20YearsDefending

[Dée Werter @WerterDee]

RT @DefendDefenders: As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting a high-level panel discussion bringing together global hu…

[Dée Werter @WerterDee]

RT @DefendDefenders: This week is a special one for us as we mark 20 years of protecting and promoting the work of human rights defenders a…

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

#Tanzania: We are alarmed by the deaths & injuries in the ongoing election-related protests, as the security forces used firearms and teargas to disperse protesters.

We call on the security forces to refrain from using unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal weapons, against protesters, & to make every effort to deescalate tensions. Protesters should demonstrate peacefully.

https://t.co/SLmsdnGTT9

[DefendDefenders @DefendDefenders]

This afternoon our Executive Director @Hassan_shire was delighted to host H.E. Ambassador Mags Gaynor of @IrlEmbUganda to introduce our work and explore opportunities for continued collaboration. During her visit, the discussions highlighted national and regional human rights trends, and considered the structure and nature of our protection program and interventions in responding to human rights defenders at risk. We appreciate the continued support of the Government of Ireland towards enhancing protection of human rights defenders.

DefendDefenders supports Irish candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council membership for the 2027-2029 term.

#20YearsDefending

[Lisa Westerveld 🟥 @Lisawesterveld]

Deze verkiezingen gaan over meer dan de keuze tussen links of rechts.

Ze gaan over mensenrechten, en over de positie van minderheden.

Op de website van het COC meer informatie over de standpunten van partijen.

https://t.co/LlGoFpE1Rv

#Rainbowvote

[@Defenders Coalition 🇰🇪 @DefendersKE]

PRESS STATEMENT!

The Defenders Coalition is alarmed by the continued disappearance of human rights defenders (HRDs) Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who reportedly disappeared on 1 October, 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.

We join the human rights community in condemning this continued lawlessness, violations, and abuses by suspected state operatives and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo #FreeBobNjagi #FreeNicholasOyoo
Read the full statement here
https://t.co/eWpXJCwPkF