ISHR
On 14 May 2024, ISHR delivered a statement on the situation of human rights in Africa, with a particular focus on the impact on civic space of the implementation of recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in African States as well as the need to ensure that existing measures and mechanisms to protect defenders are effective.
In its statement, ISHR highlighted its concern over the trend of NGO laws which considerably limit, in their provisions, the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and shrinks civic and democratic space, as it is the case in Angola and Mozambique. These laws are being proposed and discussed in Parliament without consultation of civil society and are drafted in order to fulfil recommendation 8 of the FATF which establishes a general framework for the regulation of the not-for-profit sector in order to prevent its abuse by terrorists.
Any draft legislation affecting the rights of civil society must be drafted in consultation with Angolan and Mozambican defenders and comply with regional standards and principles guaranteeing freedom of association, in particular with the African Commission's guidelines on freedom of association and assemblyAdélaïde Etong Kame, Senior Programme Manager (Africa) at ISHR
The statement recognises the continued efforts by some African countries towards stronger legislative frameworks protecting defenders at the national level, particularly in the Republic of Congo and Senegal where both governments have expressed their willingness to support the process started by civil society.
The progress and commitment of the State towards the adoption of such a law should remain a priority, ensuring that it complies with regional and international principles for the protection of human rights defenders.Adélaïde Etong Kame, Senior Programme Manager (Africa) at ISHR
Finally, ISHR emphasised the need for countries in which laws protecting defenders have been adopted and protection mechanisms established, especially in the Sahel region, to ensure they are implemented and those mechanisms functional.
It is imperative that these States redouble their efforts to ensure that the legally established protection mechanisms for defenders have at their disposal the human and financial resources necessary for them to function properly.Adélaïde Etong Kame, Senior Programme Manager (Africa) at ISHR
#ACHPR79 Today @ISHRglobal delivered a statement at the @achpr_cadhp calling on 🇦🇴 &🇲🇿 not to adopt restrictive NGO Bills and encouraging 🇨🇬 & 🇸🇳 to continue an inclusive process towards the adoption of #HRD laws including #HRD needs.
— Adélaïde ETONG (@Adelaide_ISHR) May 14, 2024
In 2024, national, regional, and international courts took action to protect and recognise the rights of human rights defenders. In this article, we explore some of the key cases that have shaped the legal landscape for those advocating for human rights.
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