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.
The UN’s liquidity crisis and broader funding cuts to international agencies and the non-profit sector continue to affect human rights work worldwide. It is estimated that the UN’s budget will decrease by 15% in 2026. The UN’s human rights pillar, which was already chronically under-funded compared to the other two pillars (development and peace & security), with less than 5% of the organisation’s budget, risks being disproportionately affected.
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.”
After the UN Human Rights Council changed its approach to
Ten years after the unresolved 2015 crisis, and with no
Meeting in Geneva today, the UN Human Rights Council adopted
We are thrilled to welcome three new members to our team: Ainobusingye Praise, Daniel Martin Ikosiot, and Floor Veldman. Joining us as fellows, each one brings a unique experience and talent that will support us in enhancing our mandate to protect and promote the work of human rights defenders.
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.
Oral statements delivered during the 60th session of the UN
The 60th UN Human Rights Council (HRC) session will convene from 8 September to 8 October 2025 to deliberate on the global human rights context. Among the situations under consideration is the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Now in its third year, the conflict is one of the most devastating on the continent, resulting in the displacement of over 13 million people and more than 150,000 civilian deaths.