Hello Friends, In June, the African continent saw a surge in human rights violations, highlighting the growing risks faced by those speaking truth to power. In Kenya, peaceful protests were met with deadly force, mass arrests, and media blackouts. In Ethiopia, journalist Tesfalem Waldyes remained in detention despite a court order for his release, amid official attacks on media independence.
The African Union’s 2025 theme, “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” set the tone for the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held from 2 to 22 May 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia.
Hello Friends, Since August 2024, I’ve had the privilege of participating in two missions to Somalia aimed at assessing the current landscape for human rights defenders (HRDs). The primary objective of these missions was to revitalise the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Somalia by supporting the establishment of new leadership and an active board capable of addressing the evolving challenges HRDs face in the country.
Hello Friends, In the just concluded 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council Session (HRC58), our advocacy efforts focused on the extension of the mandate of the existing investigative mechanism, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS). During the session,the CHRSS presented its report. On the 2 April, a strong resolution in line with civil society expectations was passed at the initiative of core group (UK, Norway, Albania, Ireland.
Hello Friends, March was a month of engagement and reflection on the urgent needs of human rights defenders (HRDs) across our region. As geopolitical dynamics shift and crises intensify, the threats facing HRDs have grown more complex—demanding coordinated responses and sustained solidarity.
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.
Margaret Sekaggya’s legacy as a champion of human rights in Uganda is deeply intertwined with the country’s journey toward justice and equality for all. In 2005, she was the Chief Guest at DefendDefenders’ inaugural conference, attending in her capacity as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. Over the past two decades, she has closely collaborated with DefendDefenders, offering guidance to human rights defenders (HRDs) and helping them navigate the use of the international mechanisms in their advocacy. Her unwavering dedication has earned her the title of “Mother of Human Rights” in Uganda, a recognition she humbly embraces.
Born into a family of ten, Margaret was raised in a home where boys and girls shared the same responsibilities, despite societal norms that often-limited girls’ roles.
In the early 1960s, she joined Old Kampala for secondary school, shortly after it had become a mixed-gender and multiracial institution. While students adapted, some teachers resisted the change, including one Indian teacher who regularly barred African students from entering class if they were late while allowing others in.
Margaret decided to challenge this unfair treatment by arriving late one day. As expected, the teacher denied her entry, but she walked in and took her seat anyway. Upset, the teacher took her to the headmaster, Mr. R.P. Jones, who was known for his fairness. After hearing both sides, he ruled in Margaret’s favour, allowing her to return to class. She recalls returning triumphantly, a small but significant victory against discrimination.
“The teacher never did it again to anyone. That was the moment I realised that sometimes you have to stand up against injustice and discrimination, and it pays off. Eventually, you get fair treatment.”
Later, for her university education, she chose to pursue law at Makerere University. In her class of 30 students, only five were women, while the rest were men. The gender imbalance was not just numerical—it was also reflected in attitudes. One male student frequently taunted and demeaned Margaret and the other four women. Refusing to tolerate such behaviour, she decided to stand her ground.
Confronting the climate and ecological emergency in East Africa depends
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.
Africa is entering a busy election schedule, with numerous countries