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ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working to promote transparency, to combat corruption, and to safeguard and strengthen laws and institutions that protect defenders and promote democracy, accountability and the rule of law.
People and communities flourish in societies that respect human rights and the rule of law. This requires an environment characterised by a vibrant and independent civil society, laws that protect the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, institutions and processes that enable public participation, governments that are representative and accountable, and mechanisms that provide remedy and redress for injustice. Human rights defenders play a vital role in the establishment and maintenance of such an environment, and are often among those that are first silenced or attacked when authoritarian or illiberal governments or unscrupulous corporations move to dismantle democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Through this programme, ISHR provides solidarity and support to defenders working in deteriorating environments where there is a need to safeguard democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms, as well as those working in environments where there is an opportunity to strengthen human rights defenders protection laws and mechanisms.
Read our latest news on transparency and rule of law.
During its 87th session, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) heard about the human rights situation on the continent, reviewed the periodic report of the Republic of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and of the Republic of Kenya, and held different panels to advance the protection of human rights on specific themes and countries.
ISHR drew attention to the deteriorating human rights situation across multiple African countries, with particular focus on the shrinking civic space and threats to human rights defenders.
During the 87th public session of the African Commission, ISHR expressed its concerns on the restrictions and reprisals against defenders and called the ACHPR to adopt measures ensuring the protection of defenders and their safe engagement with the ACHPR activities.
During the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Sahrawi WHRD Yaguta-Fatma Moulay delivered a joint statement with ISHR and Frontline Defenders detailing the systematic repression faced by human rights defenders in the occupied territories of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
In line with article 62 of the African Charter, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights considered, at its 87th session, the State report of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (hereinafter “the SADR” or “Western Sahara”) covering the period from 2013 to 2025.
On 18 May 2026, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Commission) reviewed during its 87th ordinary session the 14th periodic report of the Republic of Kenya under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter) and 2nd report under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the rights of women in Africa (Maputo Protocol). The report covers the period from 2022-2025.
