Calling on all African states, including Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to do more to ensure that human rights defenders are safe, protected, and supported in their vital work.
On 21st October, as part of the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) delivered a statement on the situation of human rights in Africa under item 3.
During the discussion, which was open to interventions from civil society, states, and national human rights institutions, ISHR highlighted the challenges and threats faced by human rights defenders in particular in a number of countries.
In Burkina Faso, ISHR highlighted the forced enrolment of human rights defenders, journalists, magistrates, lawyers, and other members of civil society into the army to be sent to fight. ISHR also similarly denounced the enforced disappearances of members of civil society in the country. Serge Oulon from l’Evènement, Adama Bayala from Presse Echos, and Kalifara Séré from 7Infos are still missing at the time of writing this. ISHR has called on the Burkinabè government to put an end to these practices.
In Mauritius, ISHR expanded on the threats faced by LGBTQI human rights defenders, in particular the threats of physical violence and restriction of their activities, in spite of the recent decriminalisation of homosexuality by the Mauritian Supreme Court. ISHR has called on the Mauritian government to ensure proper protection for human rights defenders and to prosecute those who violate the rights of human rights defenders.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, challenges still remain with respect to the implementation of the law on human rights defenders. As ISHR reported, civil society continues to face undue restriction with regard to freedom of association, namely in obtaining legal personhood. Moreover, the government has also made clear its intent to prosecute LGBTQI people on the basis of anti-homosexuality laws, leading to even greater risks for LGBTQI human rights defenders. ISHR has called on the government of the DRC to facilitate the exercise of the right to freedom of association and to fully implement the existing law meant to protect human rights defenders.
Finally, ISHR also called on the African Commission itself to improve access to information in its proceedings, demanding a progressive interpretation of article 59 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to ensure greater transparency vis-à-vis the workings of the African Commission for civil society, in line with international standards.
With respect to positive developments on the continent, ISHR was pleased to note that the process of adopting a new law on the protection of human rights defenders was moving ahead in the Republic of the Congo, thanks to work by civil society.
For the full intervention, see here.
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.
