Protection and Security
Management

We ensure physical and mental security support for human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.

DefendDefenders supports at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs) through short and long-term security interventions, and equip HRDs with crucial tools to mitigate their risks of persecution and to ensure their well-being.

Preventive security strategies

Prevention strategies are vital to mitigate risk. We offer preventive protection strategies for HRDs to enable them to risk, and we conduct risk-assessments and analysis of the security situation for HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa.

Short-term security intervention

Short-term security intervention is necessary when HRDs are under direct threats. DefendDefenders manages a 24/7 emergency line for HRDs in the sub-region, and support can include relocation to a safe house, and logistical and financial support. The support is identified on a case-by-case basis.

Building capacity

Capacity building is important to safeguard HRDs’ safety and protection. DefendDefenders offers comprehensive, in-depth security and protection capacity building, including trainings, mentoring, and security advice. 

Long-term security intervention

Long-term support strategies are essential to ensure that the HRDs are equipped to deal with the threats facing them. In addition to capacity building, the long-term security strategies can include offering HRDs education, financial start-up grant, support to find a job, as well as strategic advocacy,

Latest News

Alex Neve’s Reflections: The Journey of Hassan Shire and the Birth of DefendDefenders

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.

DefendDefenders’ oral statements at HRC60

Oral statements delivered during the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (8 September-8 October 2025) Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of