Capacity Building

Raising the capacity of human rights defenders from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region.

Our Work

To build the capacity of human rights defenders (HRDs) in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region is a vital part of DefendDefenders work.

We aim to equip individual HRDs, EHAHRD-Net, and national HRD coalitions in the sub-region in the areas of HRD protection mechanisms and security management, Advocacy tools and strategies for HRDs, HRD Coalition building, Networking. In order to achieve this goal, DefendDefenders organises trainings, conferences, and workshops, as well as action-based learning and mentoring to HRDs.

HRD Protection Mechanisms

Training on international and regional human rights protection systems and how to effectively utilize them.

Security Management

Building skills in digital and physical security to protect HRDs in challenging environments.

Advocacy Tools & Strategies

Equipping HRDs with effective advocacy techniques for national, regional, and international engagement.

HRD Coalition Building

Strengthening collaboration and solidarity among HRDs across the East and Horn of Africa.

Networking

Creating opportunities for HRDs to connect, share experiences, and build regional solidarity.

Annual Flagship Event

Claiming Spaces: Tactical Tools for Human Rights Defenders

Every year, DefendDefenders organises our annual flagship event Claiming Spaces: Tactical tools for HRDs – a week-long capacity building event for HRDs. The event is organised in different countries every year, and welcomes about 100 HRDs to enhance their skills in a various set of topics.

Check out Claiming Spaces

~100 HRDs

Annual Participants

15+

Years of Experience

1000+

HRDs Trained

Countries Covered