Impact Stories Archive
Page 2 of 3 (17 stories)
JANVIER BIGIRIMANA Commendable encounters with DefendDefenders
I have known DefendDefenders for more than a decade, but I would say that the most important moment that remains engraved in my memory is in 2014 when they convened Claiming Spaces, a large event organised in Burundi where several human rights defenders (HRDs) from Burundi and the diaspora, plus state authorities were invited.
James Bidal “On how DefendDefenders provided a Broadway platform for human rights activism in South Sudan”
“Many of my colleagues also went through similar experiences, where DefendDefenders was able also to strategise their protection. Instead of being kidnapped or even detained, other colleagues were relocated to safer spaces across the continent. Some have been able to continue with their work, all thanks to DefendDefenders’ support, which is so important to the human rights fraternity.”
Armel Niyongere: “In his fight for justice, truth and human dignity”
“Despite everything, we continue to document abuses and collect victims’ testimonies, and engage with international human rights mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court and the United Nations bodies. DefendDefenders has played a key role in facilitating organisations like ours to participate in the work of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).
A Defender’s Journey: How Deji Adeyanju Turned Activism into a Fight for Justice
Over the years, DefendDefenders has always been one of the frontline protectors and supporters of Deji’s work in Nigeria. It is also through DefendDefenders’ support that Deji has attended the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights.
Chioma: Empowering the Next Generation Online
Chioma was part of the 2023 cohort of DefendDefenders’ Safe Sisters fellowship, the flagship programme of DefendDefenders Tech which offers digital safety and security training to women human rights (WHRDs), journalists and media workers. “Safe Sisters Fellowship was a 360-degree turnaround in my career, in my life. Everything about me turned 360 degrees after that encounter. After the fellowship, there was a chain of positive events, one after another, until today, I can proudly introduce myself as a digital security advocate.”
Alex Neve’s Reflections: The Journey of Hassan Shire and the Birth of DefendDefenders
As Hassan’s vision started to take hold, he reached out to several people and organisations, sharing the idea of establishing an HRDs’ network in the East and Horn of Africa. He mobilised financial and institutional support from those who understood and agreed that this was something essential; something that could make a difference.