DefendDefenders at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
DefendDefenders conduct strategic work with and towards the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.
Our Work at the ACHPR
As the main human rights body in Africa, the ACHPR is a crucial platform for advancing the protection of human rights defenders across the continent.
ACHPR observer status
In 2009, DefendDefenders obtained observer status with the ACHPR, and since then we have consistently engaged with the Commission to highlight issues pertinent to HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa.
Engagement with the Commission and its special mechanisms
We engage with diplomatic missions and ACHPR members to ensure the protection and promotion of HRDs.
HRDs to the ACHPR
To ensure that HRDs are heard at the ACHPR, DefendDefenders brings HRDs from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region to the ACHPR sessions.
NGO Forum Leadership
DefendDefenders is 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), playing a key role in coordinating civil society engagement with the Commission.
Relevant News
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders Statements at ACHPR85
DefendDefenders (the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) welcomes the opportunity provided by the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) to present an overview of the state of democracy, rule of law, and human rights in the East and Horn of Africa.
21 October 2025
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders Statements at ACHPR83
NGO Forum preceeding the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to provide an update on the status of democracy, rule of law and human rights in East and Horn of Africa over the last six months for the period October 2024 to May 2025.
2 May 2025
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders Statements at ACHPR81
NGO Forum statement SUB REGIONAL UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW, AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA
21 October 2024