In light of the visible trend of shrinking space for civil society and the persistent targeting of human rights defenders and their work, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights created the Study Group on Freedom of Association and Assembly during its 46th Ordinary Session.

As part of the Study Group DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) contributed to the report, which was concluded and launched during the 56th Ordinary Session.

Download the full report in English or French.

Update: In April 2016, during its 58th Ordinary Session, the Commission adopted a resolution giving the Study Group a mandate to draft guidelines on freedom of association and peaceful assembly.