Appalled at the extent the Law is abused all over the world
Joined October 2013
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Tabitha retweeted
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Commissioner of Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, @baseeraagie, Protection Officer (Legal) appreciated DefendDefenders for convening the dialogue and for its continued efforts to strengthen protection and support systems for human rights defenders in exile.
She recognised Uganda’s commitment to refugees which extends beyond providing safety to fostering integration, dignity and self-reliance. Agnes acknowledged the valuable knowledge, skills and professional experience that defenders bring. She noted that access to opportunities, legal support and professional networks enables them to continue contributing meaningfully while rebuilding their futures in safety and dignity.
She called on the government, civil society, legal practitioners and partners to work together to remove barriers, strengthen support systems and create sustainable pathways to integration and self-reliance.
#6thPSP
Tabitha retweeted
Today, we host human rights defenders exiled in Uganda, representatives of Ugandan government authorities including the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Uganda Police Force, partners and civil society organisations for the 6th Interactive Dialogue between human rights defenders exiled in Uganda and protection service providers.
Convened under the theme “Beyond Exile: From Displacement to Resilience, Pathways to Self-Reliance,” the dialogue provides a platform to share experiences, strengthen partnerships and explore pathways to self-reliance.
Opening the session, @MemoryBandera , Director of Programmes and Administration at DefendDefenders, welcomed guests, observing all protocols. She emphasised the dialogue’s role in strengthening the resilience, capacity and support systems of human rights defenders in exile in Uganda.
#6thPSP
Tabitha retweeted
Yesterday, on the margins of #ACHPR89, our conversation on Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in Africa brought together more than 50 human rights defenders, civil society representatives and digital rights experts.
Participants shared experiences of how emerging technologies are shaping their work and affecting people’s ability to exercise and enjoy their rights.
The discussion also explored data protection, accountability and States’ responsibilities as public services and systems become increasingly digitised, alongside the human rights implications of AI, surveillance and other emerging technologies.
It concluded with recommendations to bolster the African Commission’s response through stronger monitoring of digital rights violations, accountability and guidance, and closer engagement with States and civil society, helping ensure that existing digital rights commitments translate into meaningful protection.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Over the past five years, the digital era has evolved at an unprecedented pace. But this transformation has not come without consequences for human rights.
As artificial intelligence, social media, digital surveillance, biometrics and other emerging technologies reshape how we communicate, access information and participate in public life, they are also creating new and evolving threats to human rights, civic space and the safety of human rights defenders and civil society.
Over the same period, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has taken important steps to respond, adopting resolutions addressing AI, robotics and other emerging technologies (2021); digital violence against women (2022); mass and unlawful targeted communication surveillance and its impact on human rights in Africa (2023); internet shutdowns and elections (2024); digital violence against women (2024); data access in the digital age (2024); technology companies’ responsibility to maintain information integrity (2025); and public-interest content in the digital era (2025).
These resolutions demonstrate an evolving recognition of the human rights implications of the digital age. Yet the question remains: how effectively are these commitments being implemented, and are they keeping pace with the threats we are witnessing today?
Many of the concerns identified in these resolutions continue to affect communities, human rights defenders and civil society, while new challenges are emerging with the rapid development and deployment of AI, digital surveillance, social media platforms, algorithmic systems and other technologies.
The question now is: how can the African human rights system keep pace with this rapidly evolving digital landscape?
This afternoon, we invite you to join us in a conversation on: Emerging Technologies and Human Rights in Africa: How can the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights bolster its response to promote and protect digital rights in Africa?
Together, we will reflect on the implementation and impact of existing African Commission resolutions, discussing whether they are translating into meaningful change and stronger protection for communities, human rights defenders and civil society, and how the Commission can bolster its approach to addressing ever-evolving digital threats. The conversation will also consider the responsibilities of States, technology companies and other stakeholders in ensuring that technological advancement does not come at the expense of human rights.
Venue: Room C005, King Fahd Hotel, Dakar
Date: 14 October 2026
Time: 12:30–2:00 PM
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Tabitha retweeted
The Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) @kamau_dk delivered DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders' statement under Item 4 on the Human Rights Situation in Africa.
The statement highlighted the persistent gap between human rights commitments and implementation, including conflict, repression and the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. It also raised concerns over internet shutdowns, biometric surveillance, weak data protection and the use of AI without adequate human rights safeguards.
Among others, the statement called on the Commission to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability around emerging technologies and ensure effective remedies for technology-related human rights violations.
Click this link to read the full statement; defenddefenders.org/defendde…
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Earlier today, after 22 years, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights convened its 89th Ordinary Session in Dakar, Senegal. The session, running from 12 to 21 October, comes as the African human rights system marks 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter and 40 years since its entry into force.
With a record-high 1,959 participants, the highest participation recorded at an ACHPR session, states, AU institutions, NHRIs, civil society, human rights defenders and other stakeholders are gathered in Dakar. During the opening ceremony, one message was echoed by most speakers: human rights commitments must translate into tangible change in people’s lives.
#DDATACHPR89 #ADATACHPR89
Tabitha retweeted
Amana Africa, a consortium comprising DefendDefenders, Resilience Technologies, and Digital Society Africa, built an African-led response to the growing threat of spyware targeting civil society. The consortium brings together expertise in spyware forensics, digital security, and advocacy to strengthen accountability and protection across the continent.
Tomorrow, on the margins of #FIFAfrica2026, join us for a conversation titled: Inside Africa's first spyware accountability consortium: From forensic evidence to collective action. Be part of the conversation at Trochetia, from 3:00–4:30 PM, as we explore how African expertise can strengthen spyware detection, forensic investigations, evidence collection and advocacy.
#FIFAfrica2026
Tabitha retweeted
The @IrlEmbUganda team, led by Ms Jill Clements, Head of Cooperation, paid a courtesy visit to the DefendDefenders offices.
The visit provided an opportunity for a constructive exchange on Uganda’s evolving context, emerging developments and shared areas of interest, as well as to exchange perspectives on the broader civic space environment.
We appreciate the Irish Embassy’s continued engagement and longstanding partnership with DefendDefenders and look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration.
Tabitha retweeted
Our teams are out of the office today for our Mid-Year Staff Retreat.
We are dedicating time to reflect on the first seven months of the year by reviewing the progress made so far, celebrating key achievements, assessing what is working well, discussing challenges encountered, and aligning our priorities for the months ahead as we continue protecting and promoting the rights of Human Rights Defenders across Africa.
Our emergency helpline remains available should any urgent protection needs arise.
#MidYearRetreat
Tabitha retweeted
Julie Trébault is the founder and Executive Director of Artists at Risk Connection (ARC). She is a global advocate for artistic freedom and the protection of artists at risk. Through ARC, she has supported more than 2,300 artists across over 85 countries, helping them navigate threats and continue their creative expression.
Tabitha retweeted
Meet the speakers for our upcoming webinar, “Enhancing Safety Measures for Artists Defending Human Rights.”
Julie Trébault - Founder and Executive Director of Artists at Risk Connection (ARC).
Martial Pa’nucci - Urban poet, and human rights activist.
Vivian Oyella - Lawyer and Refugee policy expert.
You will get to hear from 3 leading voices working at the intersection of artistic freedom, protection, and human rights as they share perspectives drawn from both lived experiences and technical expertise. This discussion will focus on identifying existing gaps, highlighting where meaningful connections can be built, and outlining practical ways to strengthen the protection of artists defending human rights, build stronger support networks, and equip artists with the tools they need to continue using their creativity to defend human rights and inspire change.
Tabitha retweeted
Join us on Wednesday 22 July 2026 for the second webinar in our SafeSisters programme series as we explore data privacy and ethical tech use.
In this session, we will examine the importance of protecting personal and sensitive information while navigating digital spaces, as well as the ethical considerations that should guide the use of technology in human rights work.
Save the date and register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…
Tabitha retweeted
The weight of defending human rights can be heavy. For many human rights defenders (HRDs), being the person others turn to in times of crisis means carrying stories of injustice, trauma, fear, and uncertainty every day. Whether assisting defenders facing legal challenges or standing alongside those pushed to the margins of society, the emotional toll can be immense.
Meet @AyiekoLucia , a woman human rights defender (WHRD) from Kenya whose work focuses on protecting and empowering fellow defenders. Day after day, she listens to difficult testimonies, witnesses the impact of violations, helps navigate complex situations, and serves as a source of strength during some of the most challenging moments in people's lives. While deeply meaningful, the work can also be emotionally demanding.
For Lucy, wellbeing in times of adversity begins with recognising that she, too, needs care. Rather than carrying every burden alone, she has learned the importance of talking through difficult experiences and creating space to process challenging emotions.
"Sometimes just talking about it helps," she says.
She has also found comfort in nature. On particularly difficult days, taking a walk outdoors allows her to slow down, clear her mind, and reconnect with herself amid the demands of her work. These moments of reflection help her regain perspective and restore the energy needed to continue her work.
Lucy's story is a reminder that behind every human rights defender is a person who also needs care, rest, and support. For her, wellbeing is not separate from human rights work, it is what makes it possible to keep doing it.
#WellbeingInAdversity
Tabitha retweeted
In the midst of the ongoing war in Sudan, countless young human rights defenders (HRDs) have been forced into exile, carrying with them invisible wounds that are often overlooked. In Uganda, Dr Ibrahim Ayoup, a medical doctor researcher and HRD has been working quietly but persistently to confront one of the most painful and least spoken-about crises affecting these HRDs: the rise of substance abuse among displaced HRDs, a silent struggle that is shattering hopes, futures, and identities.
Through his work under the From War to Hope project, Ibrahim has listened to deeply personal stories of loss and disorientation. One young HRD opened up to him about feeling completely lost, displaced not only from his country, but from himself, slowly losing a sense of identity and purpose. Ibrahim also speaks candidly about his own journey. At the beginning of his initiative, he worked alone, without funding or a team, struggling to document and respond to the mental health crisis facing young Sudanese HRDs.
In a context where mental health is often treated as a luxury rather than a necessity, his mission was both urgent and uphill. Yet what kept him going was a powerful realisation: that healing is also an act of resistance. In the face of a war that seeks to erase identities and silence civic voices, choosing to heal, to recover, and to stand again is itself a form of defiance.
It is a way of reclaiming civic space and refusing disappearance. Ibrahim’s message to every HRD struggling with their wellbeing in adversity is this: to every human rights defender carrying invisible wounds, you are not alone!
#WellbeingInAdversity
Tabitha retweeted
📸 Photos from our @UN_HRC 20th anniversary event today at the UN Human Rights Council 🎂
Thank you, partners (@CIHRS_Alerts & @Forum_Asia) & panellists, and thanks to all our co-sponsors: @AfricaDefenders, @amnesty, @CCPR_Centre, @ciel_tweets, @CIVICUSalliance, @fidh_en, @omctorg, @FranciscansIntl, @gva4humanrights, Geneva Human Rights Hub, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, @GulfCentre4HR, @HRHFoundation, @hrw, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea, @IBAHRI, @ICJ_org, @ISHRglobal, @MENA_Rights, @PBI_ISEC, @TLHR2014, @UPRinfo
#HRC62 #HRCat20 #HRDs
Tabitha retweeted
‼️ Don't miss this side event today — in Geneva or online — 13:00-14:00 CET / 14:00-15:00 EAT / 11:00-12:00 GMT 👇
To give you a taste of it, watch the opening remarks by @Ginitastar, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly & of association: youtu.be/kJJWvSYEVsI?si=RKDg… 🎂
#HRCat20 #HRC62
▶️ Webex link: ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungene… (mtg. number: 2740 461 3760 | pw: TCe9RAXNw85)
🚨 “The HRC at 20: A Lifeline for Defenders” — civil society event for the 20th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council 🗣️
Whether you're in Geneva or online, make sure to attend this important side event moderated by our Executive Director, Hassan Shire. As the @UN_HRC turns 2⃣0⃣, human rights defenders from across the world will join us to discuss why they turn to the HRC, what difference the Council makes on the ground, and how they use its outcomes for their national- & regional-level advocacy.
🗓️ Tuesday 16 June 2026
⏰ 13:00-14:00 CET (14:00-15:00 EAT / 11:00-12:00 GMT)
📍 Palais des Nations (@UNGeneva), Room IX, and online
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▶️ Webex link: ungeneva-vc.webex.com/ungene… (mtg. number: 2740 461 3760 | pw: TCe9RAXNw85)
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#HRC62 #HRCat20 #HRDs #CivicSpace #StandUp4HumanRights ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
🙏 Thanks to partners @CIHRS_Alerts & @Forum_Asia and all co-sponsors: @AfricaDefenders, @amnesty, @CCPR_Centre, @ciel_tweets, @CIVICUSalliance, @fidh_en, @omctorg, @FranciscansIntl, @gva4humanrights, Geneva Human Rights Hub, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, @GulfCentre4HR, @HRHFoundation, @hrw, Human Rights Concern-Eritrea, @IBAHRI, @ICJ_org, @ISHRglobal, @MENA_Rights, @PBI_ISEC, @TLHR2014, @UPRinfo 🫱🏾🫲🏻
Tabitha retweeted
As has become our tradition every June since 2020, DefendDefenders is once again dedicating this month to the wellbeing of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) as part of our broader commitment to holistic protection.
Earlier this year, 2026 was declared the African Human Rights Defenders' Wellness Year, reaffirming the importance of prioritising the wellbeing of HRDs across the continent. In this spirit, this year's theme, "Wellbeing in Adversity," acknowledges the challenges HRDs face while celebrating their resilience and affirming that wellbeing is essential to sustaining human rights work.
We started this year's campaign a little differently. Before the discussions, activities, and reflections, our Wellbeing Lead, @OtebaKMo , took a moment to ask a simple but important question: "How are you doing?"
The question was posed to some HRDs, DefendDefenders staff members, and our Executive Director, @Hassan_shire. Their responses remind us that behind every HRD is a human being navigating day-to-day challenges, shrinking civic space, uncertainty, and pressure, while demonstrating resilience and striving to care for themselves as they care for others. HRDs cannot sustainably carry out their work if they themselves are unsupported, overwhelmed, or burnt out.
Join us throughout June as we explore what wellbeing means in the face of adversity. For now, listen to their reflections and hear how they are navigating these challenging times.
Watch the full video here: youtu.be/NmRzpeqWHvw
#WellbeingInAdversity
#HRDWellbeing
Tabitha retweeted
Day 2 of #ACHPR87 got off to a strong start with a panel discussion on the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.
During the session, the Banjul Joint Declaration on Sudan was formally endorsed and adopted by both the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Joint Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan and the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
The declaration calls on all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate with accountability mechanisms by granting access, facilitating engagement with victims and witnesses, and preserving evidence of violations.
It also urges Sudanese stakeholders, the African Union, the United Nations, Member States, and regional and international partners to take concrete and timely steps to implement recommendations focused on:
• Protecting civilians
• Ensuring humanitarian access
• Supporting survivors through medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance
• Protecting human rights defenders and other frontline actors documenting violations
• Preserving evidence and advancing accountability
• Supporting an inclusive civilian-led pathway toward peace and democratic governance
A central message from the discussion was clear: there can be no durable solution to Sudan’s crisis through military means alone.
Both missions stressed that Sudan’s future must be shaped through an inclusive civilian-led political process that ensures the meaningful participation of women, young people, civil society, and communities from across the country.
The declaration also called on the international community to intensify coordinated efforts to protect civilians, support humanitarian operations, advance accountability, and prevent further escalation.
As powerfully stated in the declaration, neither impunity nor military force can secure Sudan’s future. Only a path grounded in protection, justice, accountability, and inclusive civilian governance can lay the foundation for lasting peace.
#DDATACHPR87
Earlier today, the 87th Ordinary Public Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially opened in Banjul, setting the stage for important conversations on human rights, governance, peace, and accountability across the continent for the next 10 days.
The opening session marked the beginning of a significant commemorative period for Africa’s human rights system.
In her remarks, Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reminded participants, Commission commemorates 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 June 1981, 40 years since its entry into force on 21 October 1986, and looks ahead to 40 years of the African Commission in November 2027.
She noted that this is not simply a moment to celebrate progress, but one for reflection, renewed commitment, and repositioning.
Her message was a call to reflect on what previous generations entrusted to us, what is being done with that legacy today, and what future we are building for generations to come.
#DDATACHPR87 #ACHPR87OS
Tabitha retweeted
Earlier today, the 87th Ordinary Public Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights officially opened in Banjul, setting the stage for important conversations on human rights, governance, peace, and accountability across the continent for the next 10 days.
The opening session marked the beginning of a significant commemorative period for Africa’s human rights system.
In her remarks, Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, reminded participants, Commission commemorates 45 years since the adoption of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on 27 June 1981, 40 years since its entry into force on 21 October 1986, and looks ahead to 40 years of the African Commission in November 2027.
She noted that this is not simply a moment to celebrate progress, but one for reflection, renewed commitment, and repositioning.
Her message was a call to reflect on what previous generations entrusted to us, what is being done with that legacy today, and what future we are building for generations to come.
#DDATACHPR87 #ACHPR87OS
Tabitha retweeted
RECAP of Day 3 of the NGO Forum: Yesterday, marked the conclusion of three days of critical reflection and dialogue under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” While the Forum centred on advancing discussions around water and sanitation as fundamental human rights, it also provided a vital platform for addressing broader pressing human rights concerns and ongoing violations across the continent.
Recap of Day 3 of the NGO Forum: The NGO Forum came to an end yesterday, concluding three days of critical reflection and dialogue under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” While discussions centred on advancing water and sanitation as fundamental human rights, the Forum also provided important space for urgent conversations on pressing human rights concerns and ongoing violations across the continent.
A key highlight of Day 3 was the presentation of the Draft Declaration on the Promotion of the Role of Human and Peoples’ Rights Defenders and their Protection in Africa by the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Hon. Remmy Ngoy Lumbu. The session sparked engaging discussion among human rights defenders, who offered substantive recommendations on areas for strengthening the declaration and sought clarity on several of its provisions.
The Forum concluded with the adoption of 17 resolutions addressing urgent thematic and country-specific human rights concerns.
Thematic resolutions focused on digital rights, women’s rights, people of African descent, monitoring the human rights situation in Central Africa, forced displacement and non-refoulement in Sudan, Egypt, and Libya, xenophobia in South Africa, and sexual violence in Eastern DRC.
Country-specific resolutions addressed the human rights situations in Zimbabwe, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali, Libya, Chad, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Mauritania. The Forum also adopted a resolution calling for the reconsideration of resolutions submitted in October 2025 concerning Sudan, Algeria, The Gambia, and Egypt.
These resolutions will now be presented as recommendations for adoption during the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which begins tomorrow.
#DDATACHPR87
Tabitha retweeted
Thank you Ambassador @JanSadek for hosting a lovely celebration to commemorate 50 years of the @EUinUG's cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Uganda. This milestone marks five decades of partnership, development and shared progress. Since 2011, the European Union continues to be a valued and consistent partner of @AfricaDefenders and DefendDefenders. We appreciate it's crucial support for the protection of human rights defenders that has enabled them to carry out their work safely and effectively. Viva Africa, Viva Europe!
