Photo: ACHPR
Human rights defenders (HRDs) are facing safety issues in Africa. Their commitment to human rights exposes them to serious risks of human rights violations. Recognising the important role of defenders in the effectiveness of human rights in African States, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights dedicated the first panel of its 83rd Ordinary Session to look at ways to 'silence violence against African defenders'.
‘Anytime HRDs try to do their work, they are increasingly attacked for their activism. States no longer hesitate to use digital surveillance, disinformation, cyber-attacks (...). States even cooperate to track HRDs in exile.’Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, ACHPR’s Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders and focal points on reprisals
The panel benefited from the participation of Mary Lawlor (UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of HRDs), Nirinarisoa Prisca Andrianalivelo (Vice-President of the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Madagascar), and Walda Keza Shaka, Senior programme officer at Defenders.
In their respective role at national, regional and international level, the panellists acknowledged that HRDs are facing intimidation, harassment either online or physically on one hand, and on the other hand, arrests, attacks, kidnappings and forced disappearance, transnational reprisals, and extrajudicial killings. These reprisals do not only target HRDs but also affect people (family, friend, colleagues, …) close to the targeted HRDs.
These acts create a fearful and insecure environment, preventing them from safely doing their work or diminishing their commitment. Several countries, including those in the Sahel region of Africa have been identified as increasingly creating and nurturing unsafe environment for HRDs.
‘Digital repression appears in the form of prosecution either under common law or cyber-criminal law.’Nirinarisoa Prisca Andrianalivelo, Vice-President of the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Madagascar
Looking at ways to silence the reprisals on HRDs in consideration of the African Union 2025 theme, Walda Keza Shaka, Senior programme officer at Defenders affirms:
‘In the context of this year’s theme, it is important to recognise that justice cannot be achieved without addressing ongoing violations against those who defend human rights and speak out against power. Reparative justice must go beyond material redress and include structural guarantees of non-repetition including the protection of civic space, digital rights, and the sanctity of asylum.’
Additionally, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of HRDs considered that:
‘When they are committed to defend human rights, it is the responsibility of States to protect HRDs who are protecting the rights of the voiceless persons.’
The panel ended with the following recommendations:
Toward States:
Towards the ACHPR:
Towards HRDs:
In conclusion, when HRDs are committed to protect peoples’ human rights, it is our collective responsibility to protect them from any violations that could be the consequences of their work.
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