Impact stories

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.

“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.”

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.”

As Hassan’s vision started to take hold, he reached out to several people and organisations, sharing the idea of establishing an HRDs’ network in the East and Horn of Africa. He mobilised financial and institutional support from those who understood and agreed that this was something essential; something that could make a difference.

Since 2019, DefendDefenders has been partnering with Mouvement Inamahoro. Marie Louise acknowledges how the partnership connects them to a larger network of HRDs and civil society organisations from the region, helping to amplify the Burundian HRDs’ advocacy efforts.

“So, it is a successful partnership. And what I like about DefendDefenders is their way of working with others, they are friendly. You never feel that they are ‘just doing their job’. There is this humanity, not just with a few that I can pick out, but with all the staff. Whenever we reach out to them, whenever they have the resources, they never stop supporting us. I think many people appreciate that. DefendDefenders helps them to start a new life, they can stand on their legs again and continue working in the field of human rights.”

“I get the ‘side-eye’ a lot; eyebrows are raised. People wonder if I am doing this work for selfish gain. They want to know the story behind the decision I made to follow this path.”

“I have been working as a doctor and a human rights defender (HRD) for over 10 years. During this time, I have witnessed the many violations that doctors and health workers, in particular, are subjected to in my native Sudan.

“It is interesting that we are talking about 20 years of DefendDefenders. It actually feels like two years, because it feels like DefendDefenders keeps recreating itself. Its presence and the energy feels like it has just begun its work. The staff, the management, everyone at DefendDefenders, is very, very committed to defending human rights defenders and I can only wish them well and wish that we can grow as Defend Defenders, beyond 20 years, into the kind of future that they deserve.”