Strategic advocacy at the national, regional, and international level is an essential part of protecting human rights defenders (HRDs). By conducting strategic advocacy towards state authorities, and regional and international human rights bodies, DefendDefenders seek to strengthen the protection and promotion of HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.
As the leading human rights mechanism globally, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) is a vital platform to promote HRDs. DefendDefenders has a Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC status), which enables us and our members to participate in the HRC, and other UN forums.
In 2018, DefendDefenders opened a permanent office in Geneva, which has enhanced our impact at the HRC, and our coordination and cooperation with UN mechanisms and like-minded human rights organisations.
News about our work at the Human Rights Council.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is the main human rights body in Africa, and an important platform to advocate for the protection of HRDs. We hold an ACHPR observer status, and we are a member of the Steering Committee of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the Ordinary Sessions of the ACHPR (known as the NGO Forum).
News about our work at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
It's a disconnect between the human rights work and violations experienced by human rights defenders on the ground, and the work taking place at the regional and international level. By bringing human rights defenders from the sub-region to the Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights we aim to decrease this gap.
To raise awareness about HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa, DefendDefenders conducts in-depth research and analysis about human rights trends in the sub-region. Our report findings are used as the baseline for our advocacy work at national, regional, and international level.
DefendDefenders raise awareness about HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa – online and offline.
Do you wish to get to know some HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa?
We are pleased to convey our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for health and happiness to Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander, Sovereign of the Netherlands, and Queen Máxima on the occasion of the Dutch national unity celebrations and King’s Day.
The UN Human Rights Council’s (HRC) 58th session (HRC58, 24 February-4 April 2025) saw the adoption of over 30 resolutions, many of which addressed country crises.
Ttaala Workshop for Artists Human Rights Defenders in Anglophone West Africa. (2025) Introduction: DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders invites artists in Anglophone West Africa who are using
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