Hello Friends, In February, all eyes were on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as reports of significant turmoil dominated news sites and social media. The capture of Goma by the M23 in January and their subsequent advance south, culminating in the capture of Bukavu on 16 February, exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Human rights defenders (HRDs) have not been spared from this violence.
As we step into 2025, this year marks 20 years since DefendDefenders’ was established to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) in Africa. In commemoration of this significant milestone, I am prompted to reflect on the journey since 2005. I think back to the inaugural convening – “Defending the Defenders”: a Human Rights Defenders Conference in Entebbe, Uganda, in 2005, the moment it all crystallised.
Dear Friends, December holds special significance for DefendDefenders as we
Hello Friends, This November, DefendDefenders (the East and Horn of
Hello Friends, In October, DefendDefenders convened the 7th Focal Points
Hello Friends, In our efforts to address the protection needs
Hello Friends, Since 2007, DefendDefenders has been supporting the establishment
Hello friends, The suppression of the rights to freedom of
Hello friends, The right to peaceful assembly facilitates the exercise
Hello friends, The human rights situation on the continent continues