By Eyasu Zekarias
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, advocates have called for immediate legal action to protect human rights defenders (HRDs) and ensure their safety in increasingly hostile environments. The need for robust legal frameworks that support HRDs has become critical, as the situation for these individuals varies significantly across different countries.
Despite some improvements in certain regions, many countries continue to see a deterioration in the conditions for human rights defenders. The urgent need for national legal frameworks is emphasized to create a safe working environment for HRDs, allowing them to operate without fear of reprisal.
The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) organized a continental dialogue in Addis Ababa to address the challenges facing HRDs across Africa. This meeting brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the shrinking civic space and the increasing vulnerability of individuals and institutions involved in human rights advocacy.
Gilbert Sebihogo, Executive Director of NANHRI, opened the dialogue by reiterating the importance of adopting legislative frameworks that protect HRDs. “We continue to advocate for the adoption of legislative frameworks that protect human rights defenders and support their efforts to operate in safe and enabling environments,” he stated.
Karin Stanghed, deputy head of the EU delegation to the African Union, reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Protecting human rights is not only an individual right but also the collective freedom of our society.” This acknowledgment highlights the interconnectedness of individual rights and broader societal well-being.
The dialogue, held from December 9-10, involved representatives from national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society organizations (CSOs), international organizations, and government officials. The discussions centered on strategies to enhance the protection of HRDs and promote accountability within national frameworks.
NANHRI serves as a regional umbrella organization comprising 47 African NHRIs. These institutions are established to promote and protect human rights within their jurisdictions through various activities, including handling complaints, conducting investigations, and advocating for policy changes aligned with the Paris Principles.
Abdi Jibril, PhD, Commissioner for Civil and Political and Socio-Economic Rights at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of accountability mechanisms. He noted that scorecards can help guide NHRIs in addressing concerns related to civic space and ensuring that human rights are upheld.
The NANHRI aims to equip NHRIs with essential knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques necessary for fulfilling their mandates effectively. By strengthening these institutions, advocates hope to create a more supportive environment for HRDs facing threats and violations.
As global attention turns toward human rights issues on International Human Rights Day, it is imperative that governments take concrete steps to protect those who defend these rights. The call for legal action against violations faced by HRDs underscores the need for comprehensive legal frameworks that ensure their safety and enable them to operate freely.
The discussions held in Addis Ababa represent a crucial step toward fostering collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing human rights across Africa. By prioritizing the protection of HRDs, nations can work towards creating a more just and equitable society where fundamental freedoms are upheld for all.
