Ryota Jonen

In his reflections during the panel, Maina Kiai underscored the urgent need to reimagine the human rights system, he noted that continuing to operate with 20th-century approaches in a 21st-century world renders current systems ineffective and called for collective reflection on what needs to change. For him, the conversation about reimagining the human rights system should not centre on the older generation but rather on Gen Z, who make up 75% of Africa’s population under the age of 35. He emphasised the importance of intergenerational dialogue but should move beyond traditional notions of guidance and mentorship. Young people, he said, are already organised, aware, and ready to take charge of their own movements. When asked whether he would like to see changes to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he responded affirmatively, emphasising the need to address reparations as a crucial element of justice that has long been overlooked. #20YearsDefending

On 4 and 5 November 2025, we convened to commemorate two decades of protecting and promoting the work of human rights defenders (HRDs) since 2005. The two-day celebration, held in Kampala, Uganda, brought together over 200 HRDs, national, regional, and global human rights champions who reflected on our journey, honouring those we have lost and reimagining the future of human rights work. The gathering featured high-level panel and group discussions, as well as the launch of two key initiatives: the Roots of Resilience Mentorship Programme and Endowment Fund. Together, these initiatives reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering HRDs and form part of our forward-looking reflection. They embody our vision for the years ahead, strengthening intergenerational learning, supporting emerging HRDs, and building sustainable mechanisms to safeguard those who continue to fight for the rights of the marginalised. Click the link to read the full communique: defenddefenders.org/final-co… #20YearsDefending

As part of the ongoing celebrations, participants had the honour of engaging with three UN mandate holders during a powerful panel discussion on human rights in the 21st Century held this afternoon. The discussion featured Clement Voule (2018–2024), Maina Kiai (2011–2017), former UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, and the current mandate holder, @Ginitastar. Moderated by Ryota Jonen, Initiator of Demos Kratos, the panel examined the UN human rights framework; reflecting on where the system has been effective, what continues to work, and where its limitations lie. The panellists also reimagined the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through the lens of solidarity and collective responsibility. It was a thought provoking discussion that inspired reflection on the evolving role of the human rights mechanisms in the current complex landscape and the engagement of it with emerging human rights defenders. #20YearsDefending

Ryota Jonen, former Director, World Movement for Democracy has worked alongside DefendDefenders for many years and recalls the numerous successful outcomes of this partnership. One of the key highlights includes DefendDefenders’ ability to facilitate engagements between human rights defenders (HRDs) on the ground to high-level policymakers. “Sometimes on-the-ground HRDs do not have access to such platforms, but DefendDefenders provided that connection and bridged the gap between the grassroots level and those working at the ‘top level’.” DefendDefenders’ efforts to bring grassroots HRDs to the centre-stage continue, with a delegation of HRDs currently attending the 85th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, The Gambia. This delegation includes journalists, a cultural practitioner, a writer/researcher, translator, and a young woman who uses her social media platforms to hold those in power accountable. Ryota comments on how vital it is that DefendDefenders brings such diversity to who society views or thinks of as an HRD. “DefendDefenders is helping the world understand that the definition and concept of HRDs is not just about lawyers and professionals in civil society work. It is also about people – sometimes teachers trying to promote human rights in a classroom; sometimes businesspeople wanting to talk about human rights; sometimes street vendors defending the rights of other street vendors. DefendDefenders teaches us to understand that it’s about all the individuals who are defending, promoting and working towards the full exercise of human rights by every citizen of every society in the world. And that is a very important lesson for us all.” #20YearsDefending