DefendDefenders’ oral statements at HRC61
Oral statements delivered during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (23 February-31 March 2026) (and during the debate on the human rights
6 February 2026
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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 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.
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 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,
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Oral statements delivered during the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (23 February-31 March 2026) (and during the debate on the human rights
Dear Friends, 2025 was a year of reflection and celebration for DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders, as we marked 20 years of protecting human rights defenders(HRDs)across the East and Horn of Africa and the continent. In my traditional end-of-year message, I looked back on the milestone and our activities through the year and invited our valued partners to join me in reflecting on our shared work.
Moses Mereto Mollel is a human rights defender and disability rights advocate from Ngorongoro District in Tanzania’s Arusha Region. He currently heads the Disability Initiative Support Programme at the Ngorongoro Legal Aid Centre (NGOLAC), where he works to promote the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within pastoralist and marginalised communities.