We promote, protect, & strengthen the work of human rights defenders (#HRDs) in the East & Horn of Africa sub-region. Retweets aren't endorsements.
Kampala, Uganda
Joined July 2011
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Today, we host human rights defenders exiled in Uganda, representatives of Ugandan government authorities including the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Uganda Police Force, partners and civil society organisations for the 6th Interactive Dialogue between human rights defenders exiled in Uganda and protection service providers.
Convened under the theme “Beyond Exile: From Displacement to Resilience, Pathways to Self-Reliance,” the dialogue provides a platform to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and explore pathways to self-reliance.
Opening the session, @MemoryBandera , Director of Programmes and Administration at DefendDefenders, welcomed guests, observing all protocols. She emphasised the dialogue’s role in strengthening the resilience, capacity and support systems of human rights defenders in exile in Uganda.
#6thPSP
We were honoured to welcome the delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda led by the Ambassador H.E. @AngeleSamura to our headquarters in Kampala today for a courtesy visit.
Together with our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire and joined by @MemoryBandera , Director of Programs & Administration and @bikjo , Coordinator of AfricanDefenders, we exchanged perspectives on global and African developments, grounded in our shared values and commitment to human rights.
@AfricanDefenders / @DefendDefenders is deeply grateful for nearly two decades of strong partnership with the Netherlands. This enduring support has been instrumental in strengthening our core work and advancing the protection of human rights defenders across the African continent.
Earlier today, our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire , delivered welcome remarks at the opening of the 9th Annual Women Human Rights Defenders’ Conference, organised annually by @HRCUG , under the theme, “From Survival to Wealth Generation: Advancing Economic Justice for Women.”
Hassan challenged participants to rethink how economic justice for women is understood and pursued, emphasising the need to move beyond survival towards meaningful economic participation, ownership and wealth generation. He noted that women are not merely participants in economies but entrepreneurs, innovators, caregivers, community builders, professionals and leaders who drive economic growth and social transformation. Yet, despite their contributions, women across Uganda and the region continue to face significant barriers to economic participation and access to resources and opportunities.
He reaffirmed that women human rights defenders (WHRDs) remain central to DefendDefenders’ work through its programs, noting that the organisation recognises both the distinct risks they face and their extraordinary capacity for leadership, innovation and resilience. Drawing on DefendDefenders’ experience supporting WHRDs living in exile in Uganda from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, he highlighted how modest support grants have enabled some to establish sustainable businesses and income-generating initiatives despite experiences of conflict, displacement, insecurity and disrupted livelihoods. Beyond improving their own economic circumstances, many have used these opportunities to support fellow WHRDs, empower their peers and sustain their human rights work.
These experiences, he observed, demonstrate that women are highly investable and that economic empowerment can be an important dimension of sustainable protection for WHRDs. Economic security strengthens their agency, independence and ability to continue their advocacy and activism. However, he cautioned against romanticising women's resilience, stressing that women should not have to demonstrate extraordinary resourcefulness simply to overcome structural barriers that should not exist in the first place.
Hassan also underscored the importance of investing in young women as part of advancing long-term economic justice. With technological advancement, digitalisation, climate change and evolving labour markets reshaping the economy, he called for greater investment in young women's leadership, mentorship, digital skills and civic participation. He emphasised the need for young women to be represented in spaces where economic priorities are negotiated, budgets determined, investments directed and development policies shaped.
He concluded by emphasising that economic justice cannot be achieved through isolated interventions or individual success stories. It requires collective action, strong institutions, responsive policies and sustained investment in women's leadership and organising. He encouraged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical solutions, stronger partnerships and recommendations that can contribute to lasting change.
Annie Nturbika, a woman human rights defender from the Democratic Republic of the Congo living in exile in Uganda, shares how her life changed after relocating.
Listen as she reflects on rebuilding her life away from home and expresses gratitude to DefendDefenders, through Ubuntu Hub City, for its support throughout her journey.
#6thPSP
The #6thPSP Dialogue concluded with a strong call for inclusive leadership and collective action. Executive Director @Hassan_shire congratulated the newly elected exiled working group steering committee, including Chairperson Shima Bahre, and pledged continued institutional support, dedicated workspaces, and capacity-building opportunities.
He also urged the committee to amplify the voices of non-urban refugees and human rights defenders, including those in Nakivale refugee settlement.
Our panel discussion, moderated by @bikjo, Coordinator of AfricanDefenders, examined Uganda’s refugee governance framework, access to basic services, and self-reliance.
The speakers included @baseeraagie, representing the Commissioner for Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister; Majid Maali, Coordinator of Sudan Defenders; Ronald Mutebi from the Uganda Police Refugee Desk and Dr. Pius Ojara from the Refugee Law Project.
#6thPSP
@bikjo posed a question to Agnes Baseera on what measures are necessary to obtain a work permit.
In response @baseeraagie explained that work-permit processing has improved, with documentation usually issued within two to three weeks.
Refugees may work without a permit under the Kajubi Brian v Uganda ruling, and a refugee identity card can prove the right to work. However, awareness remains limited. Statutory Instrument No. 21 also waives fees for state services.
#6thPSP
We delivered an oral intervention following the presentation of the Activity Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa.
In our statement called for stronger protection of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), including integrating their protection into the monitoring of the implementation of the Maputo Protocol. We also raised concerns about the risks facing WHRDs in Ethiopia and Sudan, as well as restrictions on women’s civic participation in Zimbabwe and highlighted growing technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
We 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 7.
In the intervention, we highlighted the deteriorating situation of human rights defenders across Africa, noting that over the past six months alone, more than 43 violations against HRDs had been documented. We raised concerns about increasingly preventive restrictions on civic space, attacks on defenders and journalists, and the use of legal and administrative measures to deter peaceful protest, advocacy and dissent. Drawing on developments across the continent, the statement called on the African Commission to strengthen its response in protecting human rights defenders and civic space, and ensure that States translate their commitments under the African Charter into tangible action.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
We 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 7.
In the intervention, we highlighted the deteriorating situation of human rights defenders across Africa, noting that over the past six months alone, more than 43 violations against HRDs had been documented. We raised concerns about increasingly preventive restrictions on civic space, attacks on defenders and journalists, and the use of legal and administrative measures to deter peaceful protest, advocacy and dissent. Drawing on developments across the continent, the statement called on the African Commission to strengthen its response in protecting human rights defenders and civic space, and ensure that States translate their commitments under the African Charter into tangible action.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
The Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) @kamau_dk delivered DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders' statement under Item 4 on the Human Rights Situation in Africa.
The statement highlighted the persistent gap between human rights commitments and implementation, including conflict, repression and the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. It also raised concerns over internet shutdowns, biometric surveillance, weak data protection and the use of AI without adequate human rights safeguards.
Among others, the statement called on the Commission to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability around emerging technologies and ensure effective remedies for technology-related human rights violations.
Click this link to read the full statement; defenddefenders.org/defendde…
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Yesterday, on the margins of #ACHPR89, our conversation on Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in Africa brought together more than 50 human rights defenders, civil society representatives and digital rights experts.
Participants shared experiences of how emerging technologies are shaping their work and affecting people’s ability to exercise and enjoy their rights.
The discussion also explored data protection, accountability and States’ responsibilities as public services and systems become increasingly digitised, alongside the human rights implications of AI, surveillance and other emerging technologies.
It concluded with recommendations to bolster the African Commission’s response through stronger monitoring of digital rights violations, accountability and guidance, and closer engagement with States and civil society, helping ensure that existing digital rights commitments translate into meaningful protection.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Over the past five years, the digital era has evolved at an unprecedented pace. But this transformation has not come without consequences for human rights.
As artificial intelligence, social media, digital surveillance, biometrics and other emerging technologies reshape how we communicate, access information and participate in public life, they are also creating new and evolving threats to human rights, civic space and the safety of human rights defenders and civil society.
Over the same period, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has taken important steps to respond, adopting resolutions addressing AI, robotics and other emerging technologies (2021); digital violence against women (2022); mass and unlawful targeted communication surveillance and its impact on human rights in Africa (2023); internet shutdowns and elections (2024); digital violence against women (2024); data access in the digital age (2024); technology companies’ responsibility to maintain information integrity (2025); and public-interest content in the digital era (2025).
These resolutions demonstrate an evolving recognition of the human rights implications of the digital age. Yet the question remains: how effectively are these commitments being implemented, and are they keeping pace with the threats we are witnessing today?
Many of the concerns identified in these resolutions continue to affect communities, human rights defenders and civil society, while new challenges are emerging with the rapid development and deployment of AI, digital surveillance, social media platforms, algorithmic systems and other technologies.
The question now is: how can the African human rights system keep pace with this rapidly evolving digital landscape?
This afternoon, we invite you to join us in a conversation on: Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in Africa: How can the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights bolster its response to promote and protect digital rights in Africa?
Together, we will reflect on the implementation and impact of existing African Commission resolutions, discussing whether they are translating into meaningful change and stronger protection for communities, human rights defenders and civil society, and how the Commission can bolster its approach to addressing ever-evolving digital threats. The conversation will also consider the responsibilities of States, technology companies and other stakeholders in ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of human rights.
Venue: Room C005, King Fahd Hotel, Dakar
Date: 14 October 2026
Time: 12:30–2:00 PM
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
The Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) @kamau_dk delivered DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders' statement under Item 4 on the Human Rights Situation in Africa.
The statement highlighted the persistent gap between human rights commitments and implementation, including conflict, repression and the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. It also raised concerns over internet shutdowns, biometric surveillance, weak data protection and the use of AI without adequate human rights safeguards.
Among others, the statement called on the Commission to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability around emerging technologies and ensure effective remedies for technology-related human rights violations.
Click this link to read the full statement; defenddefenders.org/defendde…
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Earlier today, after 22 years, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights convened its 89th Ordinary Session in Dakar, Senegal. The session, running from 12 to 21 October, comes as the African human rights system marks 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter and 40 years since its entry into force.
With a record-high 1,959 participants, the highest participation recorded at an ACHPR session, states, AU institutions, NHRIs, civil society, human rights defenders and other stakeholders are gathered in Dakar. During the opening ceremony, one message was echoed by most speakers: human rights commitments must translate into tangible change in people’s lives.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Over the past five years, the digital era has evolved at an unprecedented pace. But this transformation has not come without consequences for human rights.
As artificial intelligence, social media, digital surveillance, biometrics and other emerging technologies reshape how we communicate, access information and participate in public life, they are also creating new and evolving threats to human rights, civic space and the safety of human rights defenders and civil society.
Over the same period, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has taken important steps to respond, adopting resolutions addressing AI, robotics and other emerging technologies (2021); digital violence against women (2022); mass and unlawful targeted communication surveillance and its impact on human rights in Africa (2023); internet shutdowns and elections (2024); digital violence against women (2024); data access in the digital age (2024); technology companies’ responsibility to maintain information integrity (2025); and public-interest content in the digital era (2025).
These resolutions demonstrate an evolving recognition of the human rights implications of the digital age. Yet the question remains: how effectively are these commitments being implemented, and are they keeping pace with the threats we are witnessing today?
Many of the concerns identified in these resolutions continue to affect communities, human rights defenders and civil society, while new challenges are emerging with the rapid development and deployment of AI, digital surveillance, social media platforms, algorithmic systems and other technologies.
The question now is: how can the African human rights system keep pace with this rapidly evolving digital landscape?
This afternoon, we invite you to join us in a conversation on: Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in Africa: How can the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights bolster its response to promote and protect digital rights in Africa?
Together, we will reflect on the implementation and impact of existing African Commission resolutions, discussing whether they are translating into meaningful change and stronger protection for communities, human rights defenders and civil society, and how the Commission can bolster its approach to addressing ever-evolving digital threats. The conversation will also consider the responsibilities of States, technology companies and other stakeholders in ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of human rights.
Venue: Room C005, King Fahd Hotel, Dakar
Date: 14 October 2026
Time: 12:30–2:00 PM
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Earlier today, after 22 years, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights convened its 89th Ordinary Session in Dakar, Senegal. The session, running from 12 to 21 October, comes as the African human rights system marks 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter and 40 years since its entry into force.
With a record-high 1,959 participants, the highest participation recorded at an ACHPR session, states, AU institutions, NHRIs, civil society, human rights defenders and other stakeholders are gathered in Dakar. During the opening ceremony, one message was echoed by most speakers: human rights commitments must translate into tangible change in people’s lives.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
During the opening ceremony of the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR89), Madam Hannah Forster, delivered the statement on behalf of the NGO Steering Committee, giving a brief summary of the NGO Forum’s deliberations and highlighted the resolutions and recommendations adopted during the Forum.
Reflecting on the discussions in Dakar, she emphasised that the past three days had made it clear that “Africa does not lack human rights commitments. The urgent challenge is to implement them.” She stressed that the recommendations and resolutions emerging from the Forum should not remain declarations on paper, but must translate into institutional action and measurable improvements.
Forster also expressed concern over the continued challenges facing human rights defenders and civic space, calling on the African Commission to strengthen its protection mechanisms, respond effectively to reprisals and intensify monitoring of human rights violations, including cases of transnational repression.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
On Saturday, the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR89) came to a close, bringing three days of dialogue, learning, advocacy, and collective action to an end.
The Forum brought together more than 350 participants from across the globe. Human rights defenders, civil society organisations, legal experts, and other stakeholders convened to reflect on pressing human rights concerns, exchange experiences, and develop collective recommendations for engagement with the African Commission.
Held under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the Forum highlighted the importance of access to water and safe sanitation as fundamental human rights. It also created space for discussions on the broader challenges affecting human rights, democracy, and civic space across the continent.
Listen to Faith and @AdamuUsmanGarko , two mentees under our Roots of Resilience Mentorship Program, as they share their experiences from Day 2 of the Forum and reflect on the conversations that stood out for them.
Maria Kaddu, @CharmAfric Coordinator, also reflects on how the consortium’s engagement in the Forum supports its mission to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of journalists, human rights defenders and their organisations, helping to foster more democratic societies.
The Forum’s final day featured presentations from special interest groups and the submission of recommendations to the Commission. The day's deliberations culminated in the adoption of nine thematic resolutions, including those addressing the protection of human rights defenders, transnational repression, enforced disappearances, and freedom of religion or belief, as well as three country specific resolutions on Somalia, Guinea Bissau, and Madagascar.
Later today at the opening of the 89th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, these resolutions will be presented to the Commission for consideration. The Commission retains the mandate and authority to determine whether and how the resolutions will be advanced within its own processes.
As our delegation participates in ACHPR89, our advocacy continues, ensuring that the priorities and concerns raised during the Forum remain firmly on the continental human rights agenda.
#DDatACHPR89 #ADatACHPR89
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are in Dakar, Senegal, participating in the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), taking place from 8–10 October 2026.
As part of our delegation, we are joined by five mentees from our Roots of Resilience Mentorship Programme from Libya, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, bringing their perspectives, experiences, and commitment to advancing human rights across Africa.
Listen as our mentees share their reflections on Day 1 of the NGO Forum, where human rights defenders, civil society actors, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the state of human rights and democracy across the continent.
The first panel discussion of the day provided an overview and update on the situation of human rights and democracy in Africa through sub-regional focal point reports. Our Senior Programme Officer, Walda Shaka, presented an overview of the human rights context in East and the Horn of Africa, highlighting key developments and challenges affecting the region.
The day's panels explored a range of critical human rights issues, including water justice and democratic inclusion for communities discriminated against on the basis of work and descent; an Afro-feminist perspective on shrinking civic space and protecting freedom of expression, association, and assembly; the implications of conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government for peace, security, and governance; and the promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of armed conflict.
Over the three days, the forum's discussions will be guided by this year's African Union theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlighting the importance of equitable access to water and sanitation in advancing human rights and inclusive development.
#DDatACHPR89
#ADatACHPR89
#RootsOfResilience
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are in Dakar, Senegal, participating in the NGO Forum preceding the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), taking place from 8–10 October 2026.
As part of our delegation, we are joined by five mentees from our Roots of Resilience Mentorship Programme from Libya, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, bringing their perspectives, experiences, and commitment to advancing human rights across Africa.
Listen as our mentees share their reflections on Day 1 of the NGO Forum, where human rights defenders, civil society actors, and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the state of human rights and democracy across the continent.
The first panel discussion of the day provided an overview and update on the situation of human rights and democracy in Africa through sub-regional focal point reports. Our Senior Programme Officer, Walda Shaka, presented an overview of the human rights context in East and the Horn of Africa, highlighting key developments and challenges affecting the region.
The day's panels explored a range of critical human rights issues, including water justice and democratic inclusion for communities discriminated against on the basis of work and descent; an Afro-feminist perspective on shrinking civic space and protecting freedom of expression, association, and assembly; the implications of conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government for peace, security, and governance; and the promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of armed conflict.
Over the three days, the forum's discussions will be guided by this year's African Union theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlighting the importance of equitable access to water and sanitation in advancing human rights and inclusive development.
#DDatACHPR89
#ADatACHPR89
#RootsOfResilience
🇪🇹 BREAKING / ETHIOPIA: As large-scale conflict has resumed, 35+ NGOs call on states to convene a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to urgently address the conflict’s human rights impact & help prevent atrocity crimes 🚨
Read their letter & asks: defenddefenders.org/ethiopia… #Ethiopia
🥳 It’s a wrap for the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session (#HRC63) ❗
⏩ Read @Hassan_Shire’s ❝Reflections❞ on the session: defenddefenders.org/reflecti… ✍️
⏩ Check out our visual summary (❝HRC63 Takeaways for Africa❞) — PDF with clickable links: defenddefenders.org/wp-conte… 🔍
#Sudan🇸🇩 #Burundi🇧🇮 #Somalia🇸🇴 #DRC🇨🇩 #Ethiopia🇪🇹
❝ Burundi faces renewed UN scrutiny ahead of 2027 elections ❞
[ Version française: ❝ Le Burundi fait face à une surveillance onusienne renouvelée à l’approche des élections de 2027 ❞ ]
🔖 Read our press release on today’s adoption, by the @UN_HRC, of a resolution on the country’s human rights situation: defenddefenders.org/burundi-… 🇧🇮
The Special Rapporteur will pursue his work at a critical juncture for #Burundi / Alors que le Burundi se trouve à un tournant critique, le Rapporteur spécial va poursuivre son travail.
#BurundiCrisis 🔎 #HRC63
❝ The UN Human Rights Council takes another step towards accountability for atrocities in Sudan ❞
🚨 Read our take on today's @UN_HRC resolution on #Sudan, which extends the Fact-Finding Mission's (#FFM) mandate and supports accountability efforts, including by enhancing scrutiny of external support to the warring parties: defenddefenders.org/un-right… ✍️
We also outline possible next steps to address wider networks of responsibility that sustain the conflict, advance evidence collection & preservation, and move closer to criminal prosecutions of those responsible for atrocity crimes.
🇸🇩 #HRC63 #KeepEyesOnSudan 🇺🇳
This morning, the management team, led by @Hassan_Shire, met with Katrin Einarsdottir and her colleagues, the new Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland in Kampala, following the tenure of Hildigunnur Engilbertsdóttir.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the three year partnership between the Embassy of Iceland and DefendDefenders, which has helped strengthen the work of human rights defenders(HRDs) across the continent.
We are grateful for Iceland’s continued core support for our work and look forward to building further on this partnership to strengthen the safety, capacity, and resilience of HRDs across the region.
Amana Africa, a consortium comprising DefendDefenders, Resilience Technologies, and Digital Society Africa, built an African-led response to the growing threat of spyware targeting civil society. The consortium brings together expertise in spyware forensics, digital security, and advocacy to strengthen accountability and protection across the continent.
Tomorrow, on the margins of #FIFAfrica2026, join us for a conversation titled: Inside Africa's first spyware accountability consortium: From forensic evidence to collective action. Be part of the conversation at Trochetia, from 3:00–4:30 PM, as we explore how African expertise can strengthen spyware detection, forensic investigations, evidence collection and advocacy.
#FIFAfrica2026
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
