During the 63 session of the African Commission, ISHR delivered a statement highlighting the situation of human rights defenders on the continent. While appreciating the numerous accomplishments made at the national level, we also emphasised the remaining challenges and threatening situations defenders face in some countries.
ISHR delivered its statement on the situation of human rights in Africa, with a particular focus on human rights defenders, on 25 October 2018. In this statement, ISHR’s Africa advocacy consultant Adélaïde Etong Kame commended the adoption of national human rights defenders laws by Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali. Subsequently, she invited the African Commission to closely monitor the implementation process of these protection laws, especially during the review of the periodic reports of these countries and during the promotion and protection visits in these countries.
However, the statement noted that the situation of defenders in Africa remains of concern. Indeed, restrictions are imposed on the work of human rights defenders through the enactment of laws to control the funds they received, the adoption of anti-terrorism laws which limit the ability of the media and human rights activists to monitor and report on violence committed in the name of the fight against terrorism.
Additionally, the statement highlighted the cases of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Burundi, the government recently suspended all international non-governmental organisations, requiring them to sign documents imposing ethnic quotas and unjustified control on their finances. In the DRC, six draft bills related to freedom of the press, peaceful protest or non-profit organisations threaten the work of defenders. ISHR called on States to refrain from adopting restrictive laws.
Repression against defenders remains alarming, especially in Egypt where “prominent women human rights defenders continue to be harassed and submitted to arbitrary restrictions in the politically motivated ‘NGO foreign funding case’” said Etong Kame.
Finally, in light of the recent controversial decisions made, ISHR called on the African Union to ensure the independence of the Commission in order to guarantee an unrestricted engagement of the civil society with its mechanism.
Contact: Adélaïde Etong Kame, Africa Advocacy Consultant, [email protected]
An event held on 18 October 2024 on the sidelines of the African Commission's 81st session shed light on restrictions on the work of human rights defenders in Côte d’Ivoire - specifically with respect to freedom of association and assembly, the shrinking of civic space, and the particular threats faced by those who defend the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
At the 55th Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations share reflections on key outcomes and highlight gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations. Full written version below.
On 15 June 2022, the National Assembly of Niger passed a law on the rights and duties of human rights defenders. This makes Niger the fourth African country to adopt such a law. However, for the law to produce the desired effects, it must be widely known and understood by all stakeholders. The establishment of an independent and inclusive protection mechanism will ensure the full implementation of the law.
