Burundi: As risk factors multiply, extend the Special Rapporteur’s mandate
20 August 2025
In a joint letter released today, 40+ Burundian, African, and
In a joint letter released today, 40+ Burundian, African, and
After 20 years of DefendDefenders, this is a moment not only for reflection but for action. As we honour two decades of resilience, solidarity, and advocacy, we look ahead with purpose: What can human rights defenders across generations learn from one another? To celebrate our 20th anniversary, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are proud to launch The Roots of Resistance, a Mentorship Program for Young African Human Rights Defenders. This special initiative is designed to empower and connect emerging human rights defenders (HRDs) aged 18–30 through intergenerational mentorship, skills-building, and movement solidarity.
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.
Oral statements delivered during the 59th session of the UN
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.
“I came to know DefendDefenders during the second half of 2009. In November that year, they supported my evacuation and temporary relocation abroad. It was a very difficult period for FORSC and for me. This organisation taught me, and many other HRDs in Burundi, the very concept of a human rights defender, and everything related to their physical and digital security.”
DefendDefenders call for applications – Safe Sisters Fellowship Round 15 Call for
Africa is entering a busy election schedule, with numerous countries
As Burundi enters two successive election periods (2025 and 2027),
Daniel is a committed slam poet and human rights defender, using his powerful words to advocate for change in his home country, Burundi. Living in exile since 2015, Daniel has turned to poetry as a medium for raising awareness about the struggles his country faces, particularly focusing on themes like patriotism, civic values, and the preservation of Burundian culture.
On 19 November 2015, Daniel faced the difficult decision to leave his home country, Burundi. At that time, he was in the final year of his undergraduate studies in health sciences, specialising in midwifery at the National Institute of Public Health. With only four months of internship left to complete his bachelor’s degree, Daniel was arrested and subjected to intense interrogation at a rural hospital where he was interning. Fearing for his safety, he decided to flee. His journey spanned nine days, during which he crossed through three countries before finally settling in his host country. He left behind his father, brother, and sister, who remain in Burundi to this day.