Reports

Pushing Boundaries:The case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders

7 December 2022

Pushing Boundaries: The case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders In a report published today, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders present a comprehensive summary of the case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders. The report focuses on understanding their working environment in the sub-region, mainly focusing on the countries where we conducted in-person interviews. It analyses the drivers that

Read the report

Pushing Boundaries:The case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders

7 December 2022

Pushing Boundaries: The case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders In a report published today, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders present a comprehensive summary of the case of East and Horn of Africa’s youth human rights defenders. The report focuses on understanding their working environment in the sub-region, mainly focusing on the countries where we conducted in-person interviews. It analyses the drivers that

Read the report
White Paper on the impact of Covid-19 on Human Rights Defenders
23 November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a serious global health crisis that has caused over six million deaths worldwide and continues to threaten many people’s health and livelihoods. The pandemic revealed fundamental cracks in national and global health systems. It has brought inequality within and between countries into sharp relief and tested our resilience as individuals and as members of communities. Considerable disparities in access to vaccines and vaccination rates persist, with 85% of people living in low income countries still waiting to receive the
Bi-Annual Report (April-October 2022)
21 October 2022

Burundi On 29 June 2022, UN Special Rapporteur Fortuné Gaetan Zongo presented his first oral update to the UN Human Rights Council (Council). In his statement, he noted that despite the progress made since 2020, more needs to be done to combat impunity and strengthen institutions. Download full version Djibouti On 8 June 2022, the International Federation for human rights and the Ligue djiboutienne des droits humans released a joint report raising concerns over the Djibouti’s governments continued disregard of human rights, and rule of law. Download full
DefendDefenders’ strategy 2021 – 2025
6 October 2022

The DefendDefenders Strategy 2021-2025 has been developed through a process that included a review of the organisations identity; philosophy and theory of change; strategic focus areas, organisational roles; corresponding goals, interventions, and approaches. The strategy builds on the previous work done by DefendDefenders to deepen and consolidate its mandate in supporting and responding to Human rights Defenders (HRDs) at risk, by reducing their vulnerability to persecution and enhancing their capacity to effectively protect human rights. The strategy is a guide for DefendDefenders operations in the
Between Principles and Pragmatism: How African states vote at the UN Human Rights Council
21 September 2022

Between Principles and PragmatismHow African states vote at the UN Human Rights Council In a report published today, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders present a comprehensive analysis of the voting history, record, and behaviour of African states at the UN Human Rights Council. “Between Principles and Pragmatism” is an evidence-based analysis of patterns of votes for African Group.  The report covers all votes on resolutions that ever took place since the Council’s creation, in 2006, namely from its 1st (HRC1) to its 50th session (HRC50).    “Between
Overlooked and Unseen
29 April 2022

Today, 29 April 2022, DefendDefenders launched “Overlooked and Unseen: Human rights defenders living with disabilities in conflict areas,” – a report that highlights the grueling challenges that persons with disabilities (PWDs) including human rights defenders with disabilities face, and the numerous obstacles that stand between them and the full enjoyment of their inalienable human rights. From Somalia, to Ethiopia, to South Sudan, the report notes that PWDs face a common set of attitudinal, environmental, and institutional challenges by virtue of their disability, which are compounded
Bi-Annual Report (Nov 2021 – April 2022)
21 April 2022

Somalia and Somaliland Somalia continues to face insecurity, conflict, and recurring drought due to climate change. The presidential election originally scheduled to take place in late 2020 is postponed until an agreement is reached. The lower house elections, initially scheduled for November to December 2021, have been postponed, and the deadline continues to be further extended.The swearing in ceremony for the newly elected lower and upper houses MPs is scheduled for 14 April 2022, however, some MPs from Jubaland and Hirshabelle have not yet been elected. In
Bi-Annual Report: April-October 2021
31 October 2021

The last six months have seen increased repression and armed conflict which threaten to further restrict citizens’ exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms in the East and Horn of Africa Sub-region.
#StandWithWHRDs: to keep them safe, but not silent
15 February 2021

Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) face a variety of challenges, difficulties, and risks. These risks can look quite differently from the general threats human rights defenders are confronted with. In our campaign #StandWithWHRDs, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders want to highlight the work that WHRDs do and raise awareness about their protection needs, so that they can be safe, but not silent. We have developed a brochure exploring who HRDs and WHRDs are, what threats they face, and what protection is available that can be shared online
Uganda: Data on internet blocks and nationwide internet outage amid 2021 general election
25 January 2021

Amid its 2021 general election, Uganda was disconnected from the internet entirely. The country experienced a widespread internet blackout that lasted 4 days, starting on the eve of the election (13 January 2021) and ending in the morning of 18 January 2021. In the days leading up to the election, access to major social media platforms and circumvention tools was blocked – even when the OTT (Over the Top) tax (commonly referred to as the “Social Media Tax”) was paid. In this report, we share OONI network measurement data on the blocking of social
Annual Report 2020
31 December 2020

Throughout 2020, further shrinking of civic space was witnessed across the region, exacerbated
by the COVID-19 pandemic. Human rights defenders (HRDs) were disproportionately affected by
increased restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, expression, and access to information.
While new regulations were enacted to curb the spread of the virus and misinformation, they were
also used to silence opposing voices and curtail protest movements, spurred on by increased
police violence during COVID-19 lockdowns in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Security and safety during elections
18 December 2020

Elections are a challenging period in many African countries.buy professional pack online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/professional-pack.html no prescription In the past ten years, many African nations have experienced pre- and post-election violence which resulted in the loss of lives, properties, and stability.buy cialis super force online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/cialis-super-force.html no prescription Human rights defenders (HRDs) involved in electoral processes as observers, civic educators, and monitors have in the past been targeted.buy levitra oral jelly online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/levitra-oral-jelly.html no prescription They are at high risk for potential physical assaults and attacks, office
OPEN THE DOORS! Towards Complete Freedom of Movement for Human Rights Defenders in Exile in Uganda
7 December 2020

In a new report launched today, Open the Doors! Towards Complete Freedom of Movement for Human Rights Defenders in Exile in Uganda, DefendDefenders examines freedom of movement of exiled human rights defenders (HRDs) in Uganda. Due to Uganda’s ‘open-door policy’, Kampala acts as a hub city for exiled HRDs seeking respite and safety. “The publication of this report coincides with DefendDefenders 15-year anniversary, marking a decade and a half of support to HRDs in some of the most difficult points of their lives. It is
Annual Report 2019
26 October 2020

Read our Annual Report 2019 In 2019, DefendDefenders and its partners continued to monitor and document human rights violations across the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, with a focus on the contexts affecting the work of HRDs. A shrinking civic space and press freedom violations were of particular concern, across the sub-region.buy levitra online www.bodybuildingestore.com/wp-content/themes/classic/inc/new/levitra.html no prescription The year was shaped by Sudan’s revolution ousting Omar al-Bashir and Ethiopia’s new leadership under Abiy Ahmed, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his conflict resolution
Making a Difference for Women and Girls? East and Horn of Africa countries and women’s and girls’ rights at the UN Human Rights Council
25 June 2020

In a new report, DefendDefenders examines to what extent, and how, the 11 States of the East and Horn of Africa contribute to the advancement of the rights of women and girls at the United Nations (UN). “Making a Difference for Women and Girls?” aims to make knowledge about States’ behaviour at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) available to civil society partners, observers and the general public, contribute to citizen engagement with governments of the sub-region, enhance scrutiny, and further efforts towards the realisation
South Sudan: Ongoing Grave Violations, Volatile Security Situation
28 February 2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Despite a tenuous ceasefire, the signing of a revitalised peace agreement, and modest steps taken with regard to transitional security arrangements, including the 22 February 2020 announcement of the formation of a unity government, South Sudan remains embroiled in one of the most complex security situations in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region. Based on primary evidence gathered during an in-country mission conducted by DefendDefenders in early February 2020 and available secondary sources, four key areas of concern are outlined: (1) An
On the Legal Frontline: Lawyers and Paralegals as Human Rights Defenders in the East and Horn of Africa
31 January 2020

Introduction Legal activists in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region navigate a complex legal terrain and are routinely subjected to intimidation and violence due to their human rights work. This policy brief is based on lessons learned from a vanguard of lawyers, paralegals, and activists who are “working towards the application of the law with a human rights approach” in the sub-region.[1] They are acutely aware that the law has often been used as a political instrument and a “shield for violations”[2] but they
Navigating Justice: Lawyers as Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia and Somalia/Somaliland
9 December 2019

In a new report launched today, Navigating Justice: Lawyers as Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia and Somalia/Somaliland, DefendDefenders examines the work of lawyers to identify their best practices, vulnerabilities, and needs in these rapidly changing environments. This report outlines several avenues governments, donors, and non-governmental organisations can take to help effectively promote the work of lawyers, such as capacity-building activities, and areas of immediate focus like psychosocial support. “There can be no lasting peace without justice, and no fulfilment of basic human rights without peace,”
Annual Report 2018
1 July 2019

Read our Annual Report 2018.  In 2018, DefendDefenders and its partners continued to monitor and document human rights violations across the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, with a focus on the contexts affecting the work of HRDs. The year was filled with human rights contrasts in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, and worldwide, as vastly constructive and destructive human rights actions took place in parallel. The sub-region witnessed a rising trend of shrinking civic space, affecting the respect for human rights and rule of
White Paper on the impact of Covid-19 on Human Rights Defenders
23 November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a serious global health crisis that has caused over six million deaths worldwide and continues to threaten many people’s health and livelihoods. The pandemic revealed fundamental cracks in national and global health systems. It has brought inequality within and between countries into sharp relief and tested our resilience as individuals and as members of communities. Considerable disparities in access to vaccines and vaccination rates persist, with 85% of people living in low income countries still waiting to receive the
Bi-Annual Report (April-October 2022)
21 October 2022

Burundi On 29 June 2022, UN Special Rapporteur Fortuné Gaetan Zongo presented his first oral update to the UN Human Rights Council (Council). In his statement, he noted that despite the progress made since 2020, more needs to be done to combat impunity and strengthen institutions. Download full version Djibouti On 8 June 2022, the International Federation for human rights and the Ligue djiboutienne des droits humans released a joint report raising concerns over the Djibouti’s governments continued disregard of human rights, and rule of law. Download full
DefendDefenders’ strategy 2021 – 2025
6 October 2022

The DefendDefenders Strategy 2021-2025 has been developed through a process that included a review of the organisations identity; philosophy and theory of change; strategic focus areas, organisational roles; corresponding goals, interventions, and approaches. The strategy builds on the previous work done by DefendDefenders to deepen and consolidate its mandate in supporting and responding to Human rights Defenders (HRDs) at risk, by reducing their vulnerability to persecution and enhancing their capacity to effectively protect human rights. The strategy is a guide for DefendDefenders operations in the
Between Principles and Pragmatism: How African states vote at the UN Human Rights Council
21 September 2022

Between Principles and PragmatismHow African states vote at the UN Human Rights Council In a report published today, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders present a comprehensive analysis of the voting history, record, and behaviour of African states at the UN Human Rights Council. “Between Principles and Pragmatism” is an evidence-based analysis of patterns of votes for African Group.  The report covers all votes on resolutions that ever took place since the Council’s creation, in 2006, namely from its 1st (HRC1) to its 50th session (HRC50).    “Between
Overlooked and Unseen
29 April 2022

Today, 29 April 2022, DefendDefenders launched “Overlooked and Unseen: Human rights defenders living with disabilities in conflict areas,” – a report that highlights the grueling challenges that persons with disabilities (PWDs) including human rights defenders with disabilities face, and the numerous obstacles that stand between them and the full enjoyment of their inalienable human rights. From Somalia, to Ethiopia, to South Sudan, the report notes that PWDs face a common set of attitudinal, environmental, and institutional challenges by virtue of their disability, which are compounded
Bi-Annual Report (Nov 2021 – April 2022)
21 April 2022

Somalia and Somaliland Somalia continues to face insecurity, conflict, and recurring drought due to climate change. The presidential election originally scheduled to take place in late 2020 is postponed until an agreement is reached. The lower house elections, initially scheduled for November to December 2021, have been postponed, and the deadline continues to be further extended.The swearing in ceremony for the newly elected lower and upper houses MPs is scheduled for 14 April 2022, however, some MPs from Jubaland and Hirshabelle have not yet been elected. In
Bi-Annual Report: April-October 2021
31 October 2021

The last six months have seen increased repression and armed conflict which threaten to further restrict citizens’ exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms in the East and Horn of Africa Sub-region.
#StandWithWHRDs: to keep them safe, but not silent
15 February 2021

Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) face a variety of challenges, difficulties, and risks. These risks can look quite differently from the general threats human rights defenders are confronted with. In our campaign #StandWithWHRDs, DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders want to highlight the work that WHRDs do and raise awareness about their protection needs, so that they can be safe, but not silent. We have developed a brochure exploring who HRDs and WHRDs are, what threats they face, and what protection is available that can be shared online
Uganda: Data on internet blocks and nationwide internet outage amid 2021 general election
25 January 2021

Amid its 2021 general election, Uganda was disconnected from the internet entirely. The country experienced a widespread internet blackout that lasted 4 days, starting on the eve of the election (13 January 2021) and ending in the morning of 18 January 2021. In the days leading up to the election, access to major social media platforms and circumvention tools was blocked – even when the OTT (Over the Top) tax (commonly referred to as the “Social Media Tax”) was paid. In this report, we share OONI network measurement data on the blocking of social
Annual Report 2020
31 December 2020

Throughout 2020, further shrinking of civic space was witnessed across the region, exacerbated
by the COVID-19 pandemic. Human rights defenders (HRDs) were disproportionately affected by
increased restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, expression, and access to information.
While new regulations were enacted to curb the spread of the virus and misinformation, they were
also used to silence opposing voices and curtail protest movements, spurred on by increased
police violence during COVID-19 lockdowns in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Security and safety during elections
18 December 2020

Elections are a challenging period in many African countries.buy professional pack online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/professional-pack.html no prescription In the past ten years, many African nations have experienced pre- and post-election violence which resulted in the loss of lives, properties, and stability.buy cialis super force online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/cialis-super-force.html no prescription Human rights defenders (HRDs) involved in electoral processes as observers, civic educators, and monitors have in the past been targeted.buy levitra oral jelly online www.adentalcare.com/wp-content/themes/medicare/languages/en/levitra-oral-jelly.html no prescription They are at high risk for potential physical assaults and attacks, office
OPEN THE DOORS! Towards Complete Freedom of Movement for Human Rights Defenders in Exile in Uganda
7 December 2020

In a new report launched today, Open the Doors! Towards Complete Freedom of Movement for Human Rights Defenders in Exile in Uganda, DefendDefenders examines freedom of movement of exiled human rights defenders (HRDs) in Uganda. Due to Uganda’s ‘open-door policy’, Kampala acts as a hub city for exiled HRDs seeking respite and safety. “The publication of this report coincides with DefendDefenders 15-year anniversary, marking a decade and a half of support to HRDs in some of the most difficult points of their lives. It is
Annual Report 2019
26 October 2020

Read our Annual Report 2019 In 2019, DefendDefenders and its partners continued to monitor and document human rights violations across the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, with a focus on the contexts affecting the work of HRDs. A shrinking civic space and press freedom violations were of particular concern, across the sub-region.buy levitra online www.bodybuildingestore.com/wp-content/themes/classic/inc/new/levitra.html no prescription The year was shaped by Sudan’s revolution ousting Omar al-Bashir and Ethiopia’s new leadership under Abiy Ahmed, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his conflict resolution
Making a Difference for Women and Girls? East and Horn of Africa countries and women’s and girls’ rights at the UN Human Rights Council
25 June 2020

In a new report, DefendDefenders examines to what extent, and how, the 11 States of the East and Horn of Africa contribute to the advancement of the rights of women and girls at the United Nations (UN). “Making a Difference for Women and Girls?” aims to make knowledge about States’ behaviour at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) available to civil society partners, observers and the general public, contribute to citizen engagement with governments of the sub-region, enhance scrutiny, and further efforts towards the realisation
South Sudan: Ongoing Grave Violations, Volatile Security Situation
28 February 2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Despite a tenuous ceasefire, the signing of a revitalised peace agreement, and modest steps taken with regard to transitional security arrangements, including the 22 February 2020 announcement of the formation of a unity government, South Sudan remains embroiled in one of the most complex security situations in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region. Based on primary evidence gathered during an in-country mission conducted by DefendDefenders in early February 2020 and available secondary sources, four key areas of concern are outlined: (1) An
On the Legal Frontline: Lawyers and Paralegals as Human Rights Defenders in the East and Horn of Africa
31 January 2020

Introduction Legal activists in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region navigate a complex legal terrain and are routinely subjected to intimidation and violence due to their human rights work. This policy brief is based on lessons learned from a vanguard of lawyers, paralegals, and activists who are “working towards the application of the law with a human rights approach” in the sub-region.[1] They are acutely aware that the law has often been used as a political instrument and a “shield for violations”[2] but they
Navigating Justice: Lawyers as Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia and Somalia/Somaliland
9 December 2019

In a new report launched today, Navigating Justice: Lawyers as Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia and Somalia/Somaliland, DefendDefenders examines the work of lawyers to identify their best practices, vulnerabilities, and needs in these rapidly changing environments. This report outlines several avenues governments, donors, and non-governmental organisations can take to help effectively promote the work of lawyers, such as capacity-building activities, and areas of immediate focus like psychosocial support. “There can be no lasting peace without justice, and no fulfilment of basic human rights without peace,”
Annual Report 2018
1 July 2019

Read our Annual Report 2018.  In 2018, DefendDefenders and its partners continued to monitor and document human rights violations across the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, with a focus on the contexts affecting the work of HRDs. The year was filled with human rights contrasts in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, and worldwide, as vastly constructive and destructive human rights actions took place in parallel. The sub-region witnessed a rising trend of shrinking civic space, affecting the respect for human rights and rule of

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