There are individuals who have watched – from a front-row seat vantage point – the evolution of DefendDefenders, from its inception 20 years ago to the present day. World Movement for Democracy’s former director, Ryota Jonen, is among those close and trusted allies who have stood the test of time. He recalls how a much younger DefendDefenders made a lasting impression on him at the 2009 “Jo’burg +10” event.
“Quite early in my career, when I was working with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, I experienced firsthand just how dangerous human rights work can be. Some of my colleagues and I were detained from 8am to 8pm, and we were interrogated for hours before being released. But that ordeal only made me more determined and committed to the cause, and over the years, I have faced repeated threats, intimidation and targeting due to my journalism work and human rights advocacy.”
“In 2013, DefendDefenders invited me to the official launch of the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Uganda (NCHRD-U), which was the first such umbrella organisation for all HRDs in Uganda. I attended the launch and returned to Kalangala even more motivated to pursue my human rights work.”
“DefendDefenders also trained me in using KoboToolbox, a digital tool for safe and secure data collection. This equipped me with the skill to continue my MDR work, even in the face of significant risks.”
“I hope to see DefendDefenders expanding across the entire continent and becoming the major partner for human rights advocacy across Africa. DefendDefenders can bring all of us together, so that we have one voice and work as one.”
I have known DefendDefenders for more than a decade, but I would say that the most important moment that remains engraved in my memory is in 2014 when they convened Claiming Spaces, a large event organised in Burundi where several human rights defenders (HRDs) from Burundi and the diaspora, plus state authorities were invited.
“Many of my colleagues also went through similar experiences, where DefendDefenders was able also to strategise their protection. Instead of being kidnapped or even detained, other colleagues were relocated to safer spaces across the continent. Some have been able to continue with their work, all thanks to DefendDefenders’ support, which is so important to the human rights fraternity.”
“Despite everything, we continue to document abuses and collect victims’ testimonies, and engage with international human rights mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the United Nations bodies. DefendDefenders has played a key role in facilitating organisations like ours to participate in the work of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).
Over the years, DefendDefenders has always been one of the frontline protectors and supporters of Deji’s work in Nigeria. It is also through DefendDefenders’ support that Deji has attended the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights.
Chioma was part of the 2023 cohort of DefendDefenders’ Safe Sisters fellowship, the flagship programme of DefendDefenders Tech which offers digital safety and security training to women human rights (WHRDs), journalists and media workers. “Safe Sisters Fellowship was a 360-degree turnaround in my career, in my life. Everything about me turned 360 degrees after that encounter. After the fellowship, there was a chain of positive events, one after another, until today, I can proudly introduce myself as a digital security advocate.”