Top Tweets for #20YearsDefending
Take a recap of our International Human Rights Defenders Day celebrations from last evening.
#IHRDDay #20YearsDefending
This evening, we join the world in commemorating International Human Rights Defenders Day. Observed annually on 9 December since 1998, it is 27 years since the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, the first instrument to recognize and legitimize the work of human rights defenders (HRDs). HRDs courageously speak out, advocate, and take action to uphold the rights of others, often at great personal risk.
Tonight, we honour all HRDs, celebrating their resilience and reaffirming our commitment to support them, wherever their fight for freedom takes them.
#IHRDDay #20YearsDefending
For 20 years @DefendDefenders has championed the protection of HRDs across the East and Horn of Africa, providing refuge, training, advocacy, and solidarity in the face of repression. We proudly join in celebrating this milestone of courage, resilience, & impact #20YearsDefending
Congratulations, @Hassan_Shire, on receiving the Shield Lifetime Achievement Award. You truly deserve continental and global recognition for your unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the work of human rights.
Congratulations, @DefendDefenders, on #20YearsDefending
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
Celebrating 20 Years of @DefendDefenders!
For two decades, DefendDefenders has stood beside courageous human rights defenders across Africa, building protection and hope.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone & the impact of their commitment to justice. #20YearsDefending
Honouring 20 years of @DefendDefenders’ vital work advancing protection, advocacy & capacity building for HRDs across Africa. 🌍✨
Remarks from @MaryLawlorhrds, UN Special Rapporteur on HRDs, made for an inspiring day of reflection and solidarity. ✊🏾
#20YearsDefending
Très heureux d’avoir rencontré les membres de l’@Acatbdi à #Kampala en #Ouganda après tant d’années !
Des retrouvailles pleines d’émotion à l’occasion des 20 ans d’engagement de @DefendDefenders aux côtés des défenseur·e·s des droits humains en #Afrique.
#20YearsDefending #HumanRights #Burundi
#Defenddefenders
At the @DefendDefenders #20YearsDefending celebration our Executive Director @dkisngugi held brief discussions on situation of HRDs in Kenya and East & region with Aaron Myers - Director, Global and Rapid Response Programs at and Democracy International and @Ginitastar , UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association.
Congratulations @DefendDefenders and @AfricaDefenders on your #20YearsDefending human rights defenders. Recognition for @NiyongereArmel…he deserves it. Much more for his battle towards Burundian society free of human rights violations.
@Acatbdi @LigueIteka @UNHumanRights @RS_Burundi @CNIDH_Bdi @FOCODE_ @CavibBurundi @revekamwe …
In her final remarks on what states need to do protect HRDS, @MaryLawlorhrds noted,
“State know what needs to be done. They know what they have to do which is to put in place and implement laws and mechanisms that protect Human Rights Defenders.”
#20YearsDefending
@DefendDefenders
@AfricaDefenders
@sshrdNetwork
@DefendersKE
@DefendersSomali
@SudanDefenders
@THRDCOALITION
@NCHRD_UG
@achpr_cadhp
“No matter how difficult it is, there are more people working on human rights now more than ever.” #20YearsDefending
@MaryLawlorhrds
@DefendDefenders
@AfricaDefenders
@sshrdNetwork
@DefendersKE
@DefendersSomali
@SudanDefenders
@THRDCOALITION
@NCHRD_UG
@achpr_cadhp
HAPPENING NOW
Panel discussion at the 20th anniversary of the exemplary work of Defend Defenders in protecting rights defenders across Africa.
The discussion focuses on reimagining safety and solidarity for HRDS with commentaries from UN Mechanisms mandate holders @MaryLawlorhrds (Special Rapporteur on HRS) and @GinaRomero (Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association), Marcel Akpovo (@OHCHR_EARO) and Rinu Oduala of Marigold Foundation.
#20YearsDefending
#20YearsDefending
@DefendersKE appreciates @Hassan_shire , the Executive Director of @DefendDefenders and member of the Board of Trustees for the Defenders Coalition on his breathing to life the vision to protect individuals who defend rights at great personal risk of violation of their rights.
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
Defend Defenders marks #20YearsDefending.
KHRC board chair and former UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, @Maina_Kiai, will unpack what it takes to win the human rights struggle in the 21st century, and why the fight is far from over.
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
Congratulations to @DefendDefenders on 20 years of commitment to protecting human rights defenders across #Africa!
Proud to see our President, Me @NiyongereArmel , featured in the Impact Stories, symbol of Burundian defenders’ courage and resilience.
#20YearsDefending
#Burundi
Opinion poll: How important do you think the protection of human rights defenders is for promoting justice and equality?
#20YearsDefending
#ReimaginingHRDSafety
Cc @DefendDefenders
Celebrating 20 years of supporting and protecting human rights defenders in East and Horn of Africa! Join us LIVE on NTV for the broadcast of DefendDefenders' 20th Anniversary celebration.
#20YearsDefending
Stream | https://t.co/abTDFa4A6g
@DefendersKE appreciate Hassan_shire who have been moral strength and courageous voice for human rights defenders across Africa. Congratulations @DefendDefenders wnd @AfricaDefenders on your #20YearsDefending human rights defenders
I am in Kampala today on a high level panel with @MaryLawlorhrds, UN Special Rapporteur, Human Rights Defenders, @Ginitastar UN Special Rapporteur, Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, @OHCHR_EARO, moderated by @Hassan_shire.
Live on @ntvuganda #20YearsDefending
This is how our journey began.
Our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire , envisioned a continent where human rights defenders (HRDs) are safe and better equipped to defend the rights of the marginalised.
Two decades later, that vision has grown. We’ve protected thousands of HRDs, equipped them with tools to thrive, and amplified their voices on regional and global platforms.
As we draw closer to marking 20 years, we honour every individual and organisation that has shaped this remarkable journey.
#20YearsDefending
Our mid-year staff retreat is underway! Today, our team has stepped away from their day-to-day tasks to reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past six months and to intentionally plan for the months ahead.
#20YearsDefending
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