ACDHRS
The NGO Forum preceding the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) ended with a panel discussion looking at 'The role of human rights defenders (HRDs) in advancing justice - strategic discussion regarding civic space under threat for HRDs'.
‘Civic space is increasingly shrinking in Africa because of the weakness of State institutions and the rise of authoritarianism.’Anitha Gateretse, FIACAT & Board member of ACAT Burundi
The panel organised on 30 April 2025 during the NGO Forum of the 83rd Ordinary Session of the ACHPR focused on the constant threat for civic space and included the following panellists:
When Africa is demanding justice and reparations for all forms of abuses and violations it has been subjected to for many years, African HRDs join the movement by questioning their role in advancing the requested justice especially regarding civic space.
The panel first highlighted the gradual closure of civic space in Burundi since 2015, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda. The ban of protests and restriction on freedom of assembly, the existence of libel and slander laws, the harassments and attacks on HRDs, and online surveillances are some of the causes that stifle dissent opinions, constitute threats to HRDs and not only refrain them in their use of civic space but also drive them into exile.
Additionally, transnational repression and delays in the adoption of laws on the protection of HRDs increase the risk to which they are exposed. For instance, the law on the protection of HRDs in Madagascar has been pending at the National Assembly since 2020.
In these circumstances, calling for solidarity, Antsa Randrianasolo, National Coordinator of Human Rights Defenders’ Programme at ACAT Madagascar, affirmed that ‘HRDs cannot be protected if they do not protect themselves and each other.’
Noting the weakness in the enforcement of the regional and international legal frameworks, the panel acknowledged the challenges in protecting HRDs in a restricted civic space. It, then, called for collective solidarity between HRDs, which is crucial to ensure their mutual protection, diminish their vulnerability, and facilitate the protection of civic space, while international human rights protection mechanisms increase the monitoring of the respect of international obligations by States.
As conclusion on their role in this justice process, HRDs agreed on the need to enhance:
‘Civil society organisations are not the ones who commit themselves before international institutions to respect, protect and fulfill human rights, it is States. Therefore, States must honour their commitment.’Antsa Randrianasolo, National Coordinator of Human Rights Defenders’ Programme of ACAT Madagascar
Nevertheless, in consideration of their crucial role in communities, HRDs should also support States in their respect of civil society’s rights and realisation of justice.
Human rights defenders (HRDs) are gradually unsafe on the continent. Their commitment to human rights exposes them to serious risks of violation. Recognising the important role of HRDs 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 HRDs.
From 28 to 30 April 2025, participants in the NGO Forum held in Banjul, The Gambia, discussed key human rights and democracy issues affecting the continent, as well as the work of defenders. Participants contributed to the adoption of resolutions and recommendations, with a focus on reparations and transitional justice.
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