By Haruna Gimba
The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and DefendDefenders, with the support of the European Union, will host a critical regional dialogue addressing the challenges facing Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and the shrinking civic space across Africa.
“Protecting Human Rights Defenders is essential to upholding the rule of law and fostering inclusive governance.
Policies that safeguard their work and expand civic space are not merely safeguards—they are investments in peace, democracy, and sustainable development across Africa.” Hassan Shire- Executive Director- DefendDefenders.
From December 9th to the 10th 2024, human rights institutions, regional stakeholders, and civil society organisations (CSOs) working on HRD and Civic Space will gather in Addis Ababa Ethiopia at the Radisson Blu Hotel for a continental dialogue.
This timely event coincides with International Human Rights Defenders Day (December 9) and International Human Rights Day (December 10), reaffirming the commitment to protect HRDs and strengthen National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in their advocacy and oversight roles.
Ahead of the upcoming International Human Rights Defenders Day and the International Human Rights Day this year, the role of Human Rights Defenders (HRD) is now more vital than ever.
In Africa, HRDs face a myriad of human rights violations resulting in an impediment in fulfilling their role in defending, protecting and promoting human rights.
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Africa continue to face escalating threats, including violations of their rights to freedom of opinion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
These challenges are worsened by intimidation, arbitrary legal actions, and legislative constraints.
NANHRI recognizes the need for action to reverse these trends and safeguard the space for civil society actors.
“Human Rights Defenders are the cornerstone of justice and equality, yet their work often comes with immense risk.” Said Gilbert Sebihogo- Executive Director- NANHRI.
This is amidst various reports of human rights violations that have hampered the work of HRDs in the continent.
“Strengthening protection for HRDs across Africa is not just a moral imperative but a commitment to safeguarding democracy, civic space, and the fundamental freedoms that bind us all.”
NANHRI seeks to strengthen NHRI’s effectiveness in protecting and promoting rights as they relate to human rights defenders and civic space and to support and protect NHRIs when under threat in line with the 2018 Marrakech Declaration and follow-up frameworks.
The regional dialogue seeks to re- activate the pivotal role of NHRIs in identifying evidence of increased risks and threats to HRDs and limitations to democratic and civic space.
In Africa, it is noted that the space for NHRIs and civil society actors to raise concerns about human rights impacts is shrinking.
HRDs face restrictions on the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, association or peaceful assembly, and the right to privacy, or through arbitrary use of civil or criminal proceedings, prosecution, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, or acts of intimidation or reprisals; criminalisation, threats and legislative constraints when engaging in a public protest or civil dissent.
These rights protected under international and regional laws are thus systematically violated.
The Marrakech Declaration3 adopted by 260 NHRI representatives in October 2018 affirmed the vital contribution made by HRDs with a particular focus on women human rights defenders, and strong and independent NHRIs are HRDs themselves and often face threats due to their mandate.
The Declaration set out practical steps that NHRIs commit to in ensuring that HRDs are protected, civic space is promoted, positive narratives on contributing to human rights are developed.
In commemoration of International Human Rights Defenders Day on 9th December and International Human Rights Day on 10th December, this regional dialogue serves as a timely and crucial platform to foster joint awareness and advocacy initiatives between NHRIs and civil society representatives that seek to address pressing challenges affecting civic space and the operational environment for HRDs across the continent.
