Protecting Human Rights Defenders in the East & Horn of Africa
Providing emergency support, advocacy, and capacity building to those who defend human rights across the region
20 Years of Defending Defenders
Two decades of unwavering commitment to protecting human rights defenders across the East and Horn of Africa
Standing Strong Together
Empowering civil society and protecting those who risk everything for justice, freedom, and human dignity
Our Impact in Numbers
Making a real difference for Human Rights Defenders across the region
The Three
Women
Stand With Courage
Three brave women defenders risking everything for justice in East Africa. Their stories inspire a movement. Their courage demands our solidarity.
Fighting gender-based violence and advocating for women's rights in hostile environments
Facing threats, intimidation, and persecution for defending human dignity
Building communities of resistance and hope across the region
Our Regional Coverage
DefendDefenders operates across 11 countries in the East and Horn of Africa, providing vital support to Human Rights Defenders
Countries We Serve
Click on any country to learn more about our work in that region
Burundi
BI45 reported incidents in 2024
Djibouti
DJ12 reported incidents in 2024
Eritrea
ER38 reported incidents in 2024
Ethiopia
ET67 reported incidents in 2024
Kenya
KE52 reported incidents in 2024
Rwanda
RW34 reported incidents in 2024
Somalia
SO78 reported incidents in 2024
South Sudan
SS89 reported incidents in 2024
Sudan
SD94 reported incidents in 2024
Tanzania
TZ28 reported incidents in 2024
Uganda
UG71 reported incidents in 2024
Total Impact
Across all 11 countries in 2024
Watch Our Latest Stories & Updates
Discover powerful stories, training resources, and updates from the field defending human rights across the region
Protecting Human Rights Defenders: Our Mission
Annual Report 2024: Impact and Progress
Training Workshop: Digital Security for HRDs
Stories from the Field: Uganda
Advocacy in Action: UN Human Rights Council
Subscribe for weekly updates and stories from the field
Defend Those Who Defend Us All
Your donation directly protects human rights defenders on the frontlines of justice across East Africa
Provide legal consultation for 1 HRD at risk
Support emergency relocation for a defender in danger
Fund a comprehensive security training workshop
Make Your Impact Today
-w-2xl Join thousands of supporters protecting defenders who risk everything for human rights
Secure payment SSL encrypted Global currencies accepted
95% of donations go directly to programs supporting defenders
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join our network of supporters helping to protect human rights defenders across East and Horn of Africa. Your action can save lives.