News Archive
Page 6 of 134 (1332 articles)
Reflections on the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council
A relatively short session due to the UN’s liquidity crisis, the Human Rights Council’s (HRC) 59th session (HRC59) took place from 16 June to 8 July 2025. Three session days were cut, a number of debates could not be held, and a number of reports could not be delivered by the UN’s Human Rights Office (OHCHR). This is a regrettable situation.
Eritrea: UN mandate extended despite government’s attempt to end scrutiny
The UN Human Rights Council’s adoption of a resolution on Eritrea, today during its 59th session, keeps the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea, a critical watchdog of one of Africa’s most repressive countries, alive. A few minutes before the adoption of resolution L.7 by a broad margin (23 in favour, four against, with […]
From Exile to Influence: Kamau Ngugi’s Journey with DefendDefenders
“It is interesting that we are talking about 20 years of DefendDefenders. It actually feels like two years, because it feels like DefendDefenders keeps recreating itself. Its presence and the energy feels like it has just begun its work. The staff, the management, everyone at DefendDefenders, is very, very committed to defending human rights defenders and I can only wish them well and wish that we can grow as Defend Defenders, beyond 20 years, into the kind of future that they deserve.”
Reflections on the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)
The African Union’s 2025 theme, “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” set the tone for the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), held from 2 to 22 May 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia.
Human Rights Defender of the month: David Kaggwa
“I have seen thousands of people benefit from the grants and protection provided by DefendDefenders. Through my legal advisory role on the board, I’m able to give back to society by contributing to the support we offer to human rights defenders.” – David Kaggwa
Eritrea: Do Not Create a Precedent, Maintain HRC Scrutiny
Eritrea: Do Not Create a Precedent, Maintain HRC Scrutiny All States should oppose attempts to discontinue the Special Rapporteur’s mandate  As a group of over 30 civil society organisations showed ahead of the current HRC session, HRC59 (16 June-9 July 2025), EriÂtrea’s human rights situation has not fundamentally changed since the completion of the […]
DefendDefenders’ oral statements at HRC59
Oral statements delivered during the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (16 June-9 July 2025) Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea (16 June 2025) Mr. President, Mr. Special Rapporteur, We thank you for your report – once again, it is comprehensive and relevant. Eritrea remains one of the most […]
Updates from May 2025
Hello Friends, Since August 2024, I’ve had the privilege of participating in two missions to Somalia aimed at assessing the current landscape for human rights defenders (HRDs). The primary objective of these missions was to revitalise the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Somalia by supporting the establishment of new leadership and an active board capable of addressing the evolving challenges HRDs face in the country.
Human Rights Defender of the month: Pacifique Nininahazwe
“I came to know DefendDefenders during the second half of 2009. In November that year, they supported my evacuation and temporary relocation abroad. It was a very difficult period for FORSC and for me. This organisation taught me, and many other HRDs in Burundi, the very concept of a human rights defender, and everything related to their physical and digital security.”
Eritrea: Adopt a strong resolution extending the Special Rapporteur’s mandate
In a joint letter released ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s 59th session (HRC59, 16 June-11 July 2025), civil society calls on the Council to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea. The signatories also suggest to move away from the approach followed since 2019 (when Djibouti and Somalia, the traditional co-sponsors […]