DefendersTech

We provide digital security and IT-support to human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.

DefendersTech is DefendDefenders innovation team working to facilitate intelligent, strategic, and secure usage of technology by human rights defenders (HRDs) in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.

Digital Safety Education

We offer digital security training for HRDs with beginner, intermediate, or advanced ICT skills, as well as advanced trainings for IT-staff of human rights organisations.

Documentation & Data

We offer training and support on electronic documentation systems for human rights documentation projects, including Martus, OpenEvSys, CiviCRM, Kobo Toolbox, and Elmo.

Research & Monitoring

DefendersTech aims to raise awareness about the digital safety and privacy situation for HRDs in the sub-region, through closely monitoring the situation, and publishing in-depth reports.

Web Presence

DefendersTech offers a small-scale hosting service for human rights organisations in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, and social media training on social networking, brand building, and WordPress web hosting.

SAFE SISTERS

DefendDefenders’ digital security program for women HRDs enabling them to respond to the digital security challenges they face in their work and daily life.

TTAALA

DefendDefenders’ comprehensive skills-building project for HRDs and human rights organisations aiming to illuminate the world of digital tools and strategies.

Are you an HRD in the East and Horn of Africa in need of digital security support?
Contact DefendersTech

Latest News

Call for Expression of Interest – human rights defenders mentorship program

After 20 years of DefendDefenders, this is a moment not only for reflection but for action. As we honour two decades of resilience, solidarity, and advocacy, we look ahead with purpose: What can human rights defenders across generations learn from one another? To celebrate our 20th anniversary, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders are proud to launch The Roots of Resistance, a Mentorship Program for Young African Human Rights Defenders. This special initiative is designed to empower and connect emerging human rights defenders (HRDs) aged 18–30 through intergenerational mentorship, skills-building, and movement solidarity.

25 July 2025 No Comments

Updates from June 2025

Hello Friends, In June, the African continent saw a surge in human rights violations, highlighting the growing risks faced by those speaking truth to power. In Kenya, peaceful protests were met with deadly force, mass arrests, and media blackouts. In Ethiopia, journalist Tesfalem Waldyes remained in detention despite a court order for his release, amid official attacks on media independence.

25 July 2025 No Comments

Annual Report 2024

The year 2024 witnessed a deteriorating political and human rights climate, with the war in Sudan, police violence in Kenya, ethnic conflict in Ethiopia and political instability in the Sahel intensifying threats against human rights defenders (HRDs).

22 July 2025 No Comments
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CONTACT US

Address:
Arie Towers
Plot 16, Mackinnon Road
Nakasero P.O. Box 70356,
Kampala, Uganda

General Phone Line:
+256-200-760-700 (General)

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