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

STATEMENT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

Today, we join the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025 under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders Statements at ACHPR83

NGO Forum preceeding the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to provide an update on the status of democracy, rule of law and human rights in East and Horn of Africaa over the last six months for the period October 2024 to May 2025.