Advocacy, Research, and Communications
We give a voice to human rights defenders from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region at the regional and international level.
Advocacy
Strategic advocacy at the national, regional, and international level is an essential part of protecting human rights defenders (HRDs). By conducting strategic advocacy towards state authorities, and regional and international human rights bodies, DefendDefenders seek to strengthen the protection and promotion of HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.
United Nations Human Rights Council
As the leading human rights mechanism globally, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) is a vital platform to promote HRDs. DefendDefenders has a Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC status), which enables us and our members to participate in the HRC, and other UN forums.
In 2018, DefendDefenders opened a permanent office in Geneva, which has enhanced our impact at the HRC, and our coordination and cooperation with UN mechanisms and like-minded human rights organisations.
News about our work at the Human Rights CouncilThe African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is the main human rights body in Africa, and an important platform to advocate for the protection of HRDs. We hold an ACHPR observer status, and we are a member of the Steering Committee of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the Ordinary Sessions of the ACHPR (known as the NGO Forum).
News about our work at the ACHPR"It's a disconnect between the human rights work and violations experienced by human rights defenders on the ground, and the work taking place at the regional and international level. By bringing human rights defenders from the sub-region to the Human Rights Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights we aim to decrease this gap."
— Estella Kabachwezi
Senior Advocacy and Research Officer, DefendDefenders
Research
To raise awareness about HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa, DefendDefenders conducts in-depth research and analysis about human rights trends in the sub-region. Our report findings are used as the baseline for our advocacy work at national, regional, and international level.
Check out our publicationsCommunications
DefendDefenders raise awareness about HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa – online and offline.
Do you wish to get to know some HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa?
Check out our HRDs of the month
Latest News
Ryota Jonen's Front-Row View of DefendDefenders
There are individuals who have watched – from a front-row seat vantage point – the evolution of DefendDefenders...
23 October 2025
Bi-Annual Report MAY-OCTOBER 2025
DefendDefenders welcomes the opportunity offered by the 85th ordinary session of the African Commission...
22 October 2025
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders Statements at ACHPR85
DefendDefenders welcomes the opportunity provided by the 85th Ordinary Session...
21 October 2025