DefendDefenders

This November, we wrapped up the 14th edition of our flagship event, #ClaimingSpaces24, bringing together over 70 Burundian HRDs for three days of insightful discussions, shared learning, and collective resilience-building. The event provided a platform for HRDs to strengthen their capacity, resources, and solidarity in the face of ongoing challenges. It was an inspiring and transformative experience that reinforced the importance of protecting and supporting those on the frontlines of human rights work. To learn more about the key discussions and outcomes from this vital event, check out our detailed communique here: https://lnkd.in/dR9eGqQa

During our annual staff retreat, we celebrated excellence! Congratulations to our 2024 employees of the year: Raphael Okudo, senior messenger officer from our logistics department, and Proscovia Nyamutono, senior finance officer. Your dedication and impact have been essential to advancing our mission of promoting, protecting, and strengthening the work of HRDs this year. We were also thrilled to honor our long-serving team members! Congratulations to Raphael Okudo, senior office messenger, and Daphne Nakabugo, data management lead, for 5 years of dedicated service, and a special tribute to Karis Otieno, senior protection officer and wellbeing lead, for an incredible 10 years of commitment. As we approach our 20th year of existence—a significant milestone—we’re deeply grateful for the invaluable roles you all play in supporting HRDs. And a warm appreciation to Raphael, whose remarkable year has truly shone. Here’s to another year of making a difference together!

We wrapped up the first week of November with our annual staff retreat! This gathering provided our team with a valuable opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and strategise as we prepare to close out 2024 and set our sights on the year ahead—a significant milestone as we celebrate 20 years of impact.   We were honored to welcome two esteemed leaders in the human rights space: Marcel Clement Akpovo, Regional Representative of OHCHR, and Musa Gassama, Director of the Human Rights Division and OHCHR Representative in South Sudan.   In their addresses to the team, Musa Gassama and Marcel Clement Akpovo reflected on the growth and lasting impact of the human rights movement in Africa. Gassama recalled the pivotal 1998 All Africa HRDs Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, which marked a pivotal shift in overall focus of the country situation to the protection of HRDs and contributed to the adoption of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. He highlighted the importance of considering each country's unique political, security, and institutional contexts for sustainable impact. Akpovo, drawing on his 18 years with DefendDefenders, emphasised the need for continuous commitment to shared human rights values and the translation of international standards into practical support for HRDs. He expressed pride in DefendDefenders' influential role in shaping regional and global human rights dialogues.   Our Executive Director, Hassan Shire, expressed deep appreciation to the guest speakers, acknowledging their dedication in joining our retreat. "Having Marcel Clement Akpovo and Musa Gassama here with us is a powerful testament to their commitment to our work." He pledged that our organisation will recommit to the recommendations raised by our guest speakers as we move forward and urged all staff to redouble their efforts in our shared mission to provide protection for all HRDs.

We kicked off November with our annual flagship event, Claiming Spaces 2024! In collaboration with Coalition Burundaise des Défenseurs des Droits de l’Homme, we welcomed over 70 inspiring human rights defenders (HRDs) for a transformative workshop focused on enhancing their skills and resilience. Together, we strengthened knowledge in regional and international human rights mechanisms, documentation, and ways to stay resilient in the face of challenges. Our breakout sessions offered valuable insights into three key areas: - Monitoring, documentation, and reporting. - Resource mobilization for sustainability. - Effective risk management and protection strategies. The event concluded on a high note with an award ceremony, celebrating the exceptional commitment of selected HRDs. This recognition honored their resilience and significant contributions to human rights, reinforcing the critical role they play in advancing justice, equality, and freedom for all. Thank you to our partners Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and all participants for making Claiming Spaces 2024 a success.

At the start of October, we proudly hosted the 7th Focal Points Meeting of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) from 1-2 October at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda. This dynamic gathering brought together 50 representatives from national HRD coalitions across the region. The discussions continued with strategic sessions, joined by EHAHRD-Net participants and special mandate holders Aua Balde, Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Together, we explored ways to strengthen regional collaboration, address current challenges, and advance the protection of human rights defenders. For a full summary of the impactful deliberations, read our press statement below, and find the full communiqué on our website: [https://lnkd.in/dmrXTSkX).

Are you a skilled fundraising professional interested in making a significant impact in the human rights and media sector? CHARM Africa is looking to hire a Fundraising Officer. Apply now through https://lnkd.in/d_ubAQ64