Reports & Publications
In-depth research, analysis, and documentation on the state of human rights defenders across the East and Horn of Africa
Latest Publication
Bi-Annual Report MAY-OCTOBER 2025
DefendDefenders (the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) welcomes the opportunity offered by the 85th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to highlight the most pressing human rights issues in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region for the period May to October 2025.
All Publications
Browse our complete collection of reports and analysis
Bi-Annual Report October 2024-May 2025
Download full report and summary report covering the period from October 2024 to May 2025, documenting human rights developments across the East and Horn of Africa region.
Taking Environmental Law to the People
Confronting the climate and ecological emergency in East Africa depends not only on crafting robust environmental laws and policies, but also on supporting lawyers and civil society actors who strive to monitor and uphold them. This brief focuses on environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) who are undervalued and unprotected.
Rocky Ground and Shifting Sands
Africa is entering a busy election schedule. This report examines upcoming elections in Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, highlighting the challenges and risks faced by HRDs working on the electoral processes, pro-democracy activists, journalists, political parties (mostly those in opposition), and local communities.
Is the tide turning? How states vote on Africa-focused resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders analyse how states vote on resolutions addressing the human rights situation in African countries at the UN Human Rights Council. This analysis of Africa-focused resolutions is comprehensive, evidence-based, and the first of its kind.
AGAINST ALL ODDS: Assessing the Consequences of Shrinking Civic Space on Women Human Rights Defenders
South Sudanese women have been pivotal in the pursuit of peace and human rights. Despite their resilience and significant contributions, WHRDs in South Sudan face a hostile environment shaped by deeply entrenched patriarchal values.
Pushing Boundaries: The case of East and Horn of Africa's youth human rights defenders
DefendDefenders and AfricanDefenders present a comprehensive summary of the case of East and Horn of Africa's youth human rights defenders. The report focuses on understanding their working environment, analyses the drivers that influence young people's actions as HRDs, and examines the emerging trends in youth mobilisation.
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