“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.”
“Despite everything, we continue to document abuses and collect victims’ testimonies, and engage with international human rights mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the United Nations bodies. DefendDefenders has played a key role in facilitating organisations like ours to participate in the work of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).
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