The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Human Rights Institution (EHRC), DefendDefenders, and with the support of the European Union, hosted a landmark Regional Dialogue to commemorate International Human Rights Defenders Day and the International Human Rights Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” underscores the urgency of collective action to protect human rights defenders and expand civic space across Africa.
The event marked a significant milestone with the announcement of the opening of NANHRI’s Partnership and Liaison Office in Addis Ababa, strategically located to strengthen advocacy, partnerships, and regional coordination. This new office represents NANHRI’s commitment to addressing the complex challenges faced by human rights defenders and creating stronger regional alliances to protect civic space and human rights across the continent.
Renewed Commitment to Human Rights
In his keynote address, NANHRI’s Executive Director- Mr. Gilbert Sebihogo reaffirmed the importance of International Human Rights Day as a platform to reflect on progress, address persistent challenges, and celebrate the tireless efforts of human rights defenders.
The event highlighted the significance of the Marrakech Declaration, which has provided a robust framework for protecting human rights defenders globally. Delegates emphasized the critical role of international and regional frameworks, such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, in safeguarding civic space and ensuring accountability for violations of human rights.
“Human rights defenders face increasingly complex and coordinated threats. This is why international solidarity, stronger legal protections, and enhanced accountability mechanisms are essential to their safety and effectiveness,” Gilbert Sebihogo stated.
The newly established NANHRI’s Partnership and Liaison Office in Addis Ababa is strategically positioned to advance three core priorities:
1. Strengthening Partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), the African Union (AU), civil society organizations, and development partners to collectively address regional challenges.
2. Advocacy and Accountability: Working with AU member states and international actors to strengthen human rights frameworks, implement existing treaties, and push for accountability for human rights violations.
3. Coordination: Facilitating engagement between NHRIs, regional mechanisms, and international bodies to create an integrated approach to protecting human rights defenders and civic space.
This new office will deepen NANHRI’s engagement with key stakeholders and amplify the voices of human rights defenders at regional and international levels.
Call to Action for National Human Rights Institutions
During the dialogue, National Human Rights Institutions were urged to utilize the validated scorecard tool to assess progress, identify gaps, and strengthen their impact in protecting human rights defenders. NANHRI called on NHRIs to align their efforts with international standards and to foster multilateral engagement to uphold human dignity, justice, and equality.
“You are at the frontline of human rights protection. By using this scorecard, you can improve accountability and effectiveness, ensuring that human rights defenders have the support and protection they need to continue their vital work,” Gilbert Sebihogo highlighted during his closing remarks.
The two-day dialogue saw over 50 delegates from NHRIs, HRDs and CSOs reflect a shared vision for a continent where fundamental rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all.
As NANHRI enters this new chapter, its leadership reiterates the importance of collaboration in addressing Africa’s human rights challenges. As a concluding remark, “Let this new office inspire hope, drive change, and strengthen our resolve to create a safer and more just Africa. Together, through partnership and determination, we can ensure that the voices of human rights defenders are protected and amplified.” Executive Director- NANHRI- Gilbert Sebihogo concluded.