DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)

Report launch: Rocky Ground and Shifting Sands- Human Rights Defenders working in the context of elections in East Africa- Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Press statement

In a new report launched in commemoration of International Human Rights Defenders Day, DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) presents crucial findings on the security and protection of human rights defenders (HRDs), including journalists, during election periods in Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The four countries are scheduled to hold their elections between 2025 and 2027.

The report reveals that stifling freedom of expression, participation, association and peaceful assembly continues to restrict human rights defenders from carrying out their work to call for transparent democratic processes, demand accountability, justice, respect for the rule of law and good governance in the electoral cycle.

“During the electoral cycle there is a significant narrowing of civic space and human rights defenders operate in a space where they are increasingly under threat.” Hassan Shire, Executive Director DefendDefenders, “There are critical actions that must be taken to ensure that civil society and the media can actively participate in the electoral processes, rather than become victims of electoral violence.”

The primary goal of this report is to enhance the understanding of security and protection measures for human rights defenders, including journalists, during election periods. Documented trends include intimidation, surveillance, physical assaults, arbitrary detentions and arrests across the focus countries. By highlighting the challenges and threats faced by HRDs in these contexts, DefendDefenders provides actionable insights and strategies to improve their safety and effectiveness.

In conclusion, the report makes recommendations to key stakeholders comprising human rights defenders including journalists, civil society actors, governments, national institutions and international partners to enhance safety and protection during electoral periods. It also sets out practical safety and security tips for HRDs including journalists.