Advocacy material

Raising awareness of the current plight of human rights defenders in the East and Horn of Africa, particularly those facing deteriorating human rights situations, was identified as one of the key areas of work and aims of the Project. The advocacy program has sought, through a variety of activities from the regular release of press statements, through letter writing campaigns, to the holding of press conferences, panel events and in person high-level lobbying, to ensure that an increasing number of key stakeholders both at a national, regional and international level become aware of the most pressing situations and realities facing HRDs. These efforts have also sought to point to some of the possible solutions to the current violations of the rights of HRDs.
Below you will find a description and the material relating to some of our most recent advocacy efforts.

Report: Promoting the Rights of Human Rights Defenders in the East and Horn of Africa

Human rights defenders in this region are faced with a range of challenges that affect and thwart their work, from more blatant and traditional forms of repression to more recent legislative efforts by the authorities to restrict their space and criminalise their legitimate activities. Advocacy aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) is perceived as an effective means of helping to overcome some of these challenges.
It is questionable however whether defenders in the region have the means, the capacity and the support necessary for them to advocate for their rights as defenders in an effective and sustainable manner. EHAHRDP sought to investigate this issue further in the hope of identifying the challenges which affect defenders’ abilities to advocate for and promote their own rights, but more importantly to pinpoint good and replicable practices of such advocacy efforts.
This report, which is the outcome of research carried out in five countries in the region (Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda) during which over 100 interviews were conducted, identified a range of challenges facing defenders which currently undermine efforts to promote the rights of defenders. It provides a thorough analysis of the current situation facing HRDs and, drawing on key findings, makes specific recommendations to HRDs, the diplomatic community and regional governments on how to best protect and promote the work of HRDs in the East and Horn of Africa.

Campaign on the UN Human Rights Council

EHAHRDP/Net is current a member of the Human Rights Council Network. This is a small network of NGOs from across the globe seeking to, amongst other things, re-enforce the engagement of southern NGOs with the Human Rights Council. Along with two other HRC-Net members from Africa, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and African Democracy Forum (ADF), EHAHRDP initiated a campaign aimed at preventing Egypt from being selected as the forthcoming HRC president. The letter, which was signed onto by 32 NGOs from 20 African countries, and was sent out to African Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MFAs) as well as to other key states, generated significant discussion and also a certain amount of unease amongst the rather negative Egyptian mission in Geneva who later pulled out of the nomination process. Ambassador Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi of Nigeria was finally selected as the 2008-2009 session President.

Campaign on the re-election of Sri Lanka onto the UN HRC

As part of a wider network of NGOs working on issues linked to the HRC, EHAHRDP was involved in an international campaign, led by Human Rights Watch, aimed at preventing the re-election of Sri Lanka onto the Council. EHAHRDP not only signed onto and joined the international campaign but was also in charge of developing the African component of the campaign for which is drew-up an advocacy letter, which was signed by 16 organisations from 14 African States and sent to African MFAs and UN representatives. The campaign generated significant reaction, notably from the Sri Lanka government. Sri Lanka was not re-elected.

A report on the situation of human rights defenders in Tanzania

The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) along with Protection Desk Uganda (PDU) a joint project of EHAHRDP and Protection International that carries out security training, assessment and offers advice on security matters, carried out a fact-finding mission to Tanzania from the 25th-28th November 2009. The overall objective was to assess the situation of human rights defenders in Tanzania. Report

Panel event on Somalia at the 7th Session of the UN HRC

During the seventh session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, an EHAHRDP delegation that was attending the Council, organised, along with Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International and the National Union of Somali Journalists, an event on Somalia. Dr Ghanim Alnajjar, the now former Independent Expert, was one of the panellists. Considering the traditional lack of interest in Somalia this event generated substantial interest; it revealed a more general increase in attention accorded to the human rights situation in Somalia amongst the international community. Final Statement

The current situation of HRDs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan

The Chairperson of the EHAHRD-Net undertook an advocacy mission to Washington in June 2008 in order to raise awareness of the current plight of HRDs in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan amongst get decision-makers- notably in the State Department and Congress. The mission also sought to ensure that human rights are placed at the heart of future responses to the crises in the region. EHAHRDP also hoped to encourage key stakeholders to use their influence to push for an end to impunity in the Horn of Africa and for the establishment of independent and impartial accountability mechanisms.  A series of events were organised during the visit notably a roundtable, hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Freedom House, which sought to discuss the issue of impunity in the region and was attended by over 60 individuals from key NGOs and government agencies. Report

Observer report to the African Commission

EHAHRD-Net has observer status at the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR). As a result EHAHRDP, drafts a bi-annual report which it presents both at the ACHPR and at the NGO forum which is held prior to the Commission. The report offers an overview of the general human rights situation in the East and Horn of Africa and an updated analysis of the current situation facing HRDs in the sub-region.

Report to the 47th Session of the African Commission on the Human and Peoples Rights (May 2010)
Oral statement on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa on the occassion of the 47th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2010)
Oral statement on Human Rights Defenders in Africa on the occassion of the 47th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2010)

Report to the 46th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (November 2009)
Opening remarks on the occassion of the 46th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (November 2009)

Report to the 45th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2009)
Opening remarks on the occassion of the 45th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2009)
Oral statement on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa on the occassion of the 45th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2009)
Oral statement on Human Rights Defenders in Africa on the occassion of the 45th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2009)

Report to the 44th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (November 2008)
Oral statement on the occassion of the 44th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (November 2008)

Report to the 43rd Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2008)
Oral statement on the occassion of the 43rd Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (May 2008)

 

Public statements on rights violations against HRDs

EHAHRDP deploys a comprehensive media strategy to raise the profiles and the visibility of HRDs in the region including Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and members of other marginalized groups to ensure the respect of their rights and access to justice in cases of violations. Through media, lobbying and campaigning, the organisation puts its weight behind the men and women risking their lives in the defense of the rights of others. An effective strategy is deployed to increase the profile of HRDs particularly defenders working under threat in a situation of armed conflict and their work across the East and Horn of Africa region. Regional solidarity is promoted as well as information shared and awareness raised on relevant issues across a variety of technological mediums. A wide base of contacts has been built with the media to reinforce and institutionalize networking with journalists. These are utilised when press statements are issued when a defender or groups are under threat in any country of the region.  Public media campaigns are undertaken to increase the recognition of their contributions and work region-wide.  This campaigning and awareness rising, throughout the region is a vital component in the on-going countering of public perceptions of HRDs and their work. It will provide stronger legitimacy to their work, strengthen understanding of their crucial advocacy role and enhance a longer-term change in public opinion.

Statements released in 2010

African Commission for Human and People's Rights should enhance human rights monitoring and reporting prior to elections Gen 005/10/2010

EHAHRDP-Net calls on the Ethiopian government to end attacks on human rights defenders GEN 01/011/2010

Re-enforce human rights monitoring and reporting mechanisims in Somalia and Burundi GEN 02/011/2010

UN should enhance protection of individuals cooperating with its mechanisms Gen/05/011/2010

Assassination of a human rights defender in the Democratic Republic of Congo-Joint Statement

Burundi

Protect Independent Human Rights Reporting-Joint statement

Uganda

Human rights organisations call on Uganda to make key pledges when vying for United Nations Human Rights Council membership UGA/2010

Sudan

UN Rights Body Must not Abandon Sudan-Joint Statement

 

Statements released in 2009

Ensure regular international reporting on the human rights situation in Burundi GEN 030/011/2009

UN Rights Council should turn commitiment into action in Somalia GEN 029/011/2009

Act to end threats and attacks on HRDs in Gambia GEN 028/011/2009

Launch of Southern Africa human rights defenders trust GEN 025/011/2009

Prioritising human rights in Eritirea GEN 023/011/2009

Strengthen national and international human rights monitoring in Sudan GEN 016/011/2009

Tackle impunity through police reform and protection of HRDs GEN 015/011/2009

Human Rights Defenders should systematically mobilise for their rights UGA 014/008/2009

The Kampala Plan of Action is launched: a significant step to enhanced protection of HRDs in Africa UGA 012/008/2009

EHAHRD-Net calls on African civil society to mobilise in solidarity with Sudanese HRDs and on African leaders to put pressure on their Sudanese Counterpart GEN 009/008/2009

EHAHRD-Net welcomes the renewal of the mandate on the Independent Expert on Somalia whilst calling on key actors to take concrete steps to re-enforce the mandate GEN 008/011/2009

EHAHRD-Net calls on the international community to take decisive action in Ethiopia GEN. 007/011/2009

Ethiopia

Ethiopian parliament should reject Draft Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and end legislative affront on independent civil society ETH 020/003/2009

EHAHRD-Net deplores the passing of the law on Charities and Societies in Ethiopia which threatens the very future of human rights work ETH 001/003/2009

Kenya

EHAHRD-Net and IMLU are appalled by the killing of Kenyan rights activists Mr Oscar Kamau King’ ara last night KEN 006/004/2009

EHAHRD-Net welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions following his visit to Kenya KEN 004/004/2009

Somalia

U.S. should act on impunity in Somalia SOM 021/005/2009

Protection of journalists in Somalia must be prioritised as another key journalist is killed SOM 019/005/2009

Continued fighting in Somalia and attacks on HRDs undermine hopes of peace SOM 013/005/2009

EHAHRD-Net regrets and vehemently condemns the killing of HornAfrik Director today SOM 002/005/2009

Sudan

End restrictions on freedom of expression and media in Sudan SUD 018/006/2009

Human Rights Defenders in Sudan at risk: Amnesty International and EHAHRDP press conference on Sudan (8th April 2009) Joint statement

EHAHRD-Net is concerned about increasing harassment of human rights defenders in Sudan SUD 005/006/2009

Uganda

 

Dismissial of politicised trail of HRDs in western Uganda UGA 027/008/2009

Launch of Electoral Reform Initiative marks an important step on road to fair and free elections in Uganda UGA 022/008/2009

Ugandan government speaks out in favour of international human rights and justice mechanisms UGA 019/008/2009

EHAHRDP welcomes the establishment of the Uganda Albinos Association UGA 003/008/2009

 

Statements released in 2008

EHAHRD-Net welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Burundi at the UN Human Rights Council today  GEN 028/011/2008

EHAHRD-Net welcomes appointment of Ms Margaret Sekaggya as the new Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders but warns against attacks on the mandate (29th March 2008) Gen 012/011/2008

Ethiopia

EHAHRDP welcomes the release of Ethiopian news editor Mr Amare Aregawi whilst being concerned about the narrowing space for media freedom ETH 025/003/2008

EHAHRD-Net concerned about jamming of media broadcast in Ethiopia
(14th January 2008) ETHIO 002/003/2008

Kenya

EHAHRD-Net calls for an end to impunity on Amnesty International’s Day of International Action in Solidarity for Kenya (27th February 2008)
KEN 008/004/2008

EHAHRD-Net callsl for UN Fact Finding Mission to Kenya to investigate the rights violations committed against Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in the post-elections violence (15th February 2008)
KEN 007/004/2008

EHAHRD-Net’s call to the AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa (31st Jan 2008)
KEN 006/004/2008

EHAHRD-Net condemns the harassment and arrest of HRDs in Kenya (17th Jan 2008)
Ken 003/004/2008

Rwanda

EHAHRDP-Net condemns increasing restrictions on the independent press in Rwanda RWA 028/ 012/ 2008

Somalia

EHAHRDP-Net condemns increasing targeting of members of the Somali human rights community and organizes evacuation of Eleven (11) activists SOM 024/ 005/ 2008

EHAHRDP/Net condemns the death in Somalia today of peace activist Mohammed Abdulle Mahdi ( 11th June 2008) SOM 022/ 005/ 2008

EHAHRDP/Net strongly condemns and regrets the targetted killing of prominent Somali journalist and partner Nasteh Dahir Farah
(9th June 2008) SOM 021/ 005/ 2008

EHAHRD-Net congratulates its member NUSOJ on receipt of Democracy Tribute Award (11 April 2008) SOM 014/ 005/ 2008

EHAHRDP/Net offers financial assistance to 20 Somali Journalists in exile
(3 April 2008) SOM 013/ 005/ 2008

EHAHRD-Net welcomes the appointment of Dr Shamsul Bari as the new Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia and calls on the new interest in Somalia to be maintained (28 March 2008) SOMA 011/005/2008

EHAHRD-Net condemns most recent attacks on independent media in Somalia
(4th March 2008) SOMA 009 /005/2008

EHAHRD-Net deplores gloomy situation of the media in Somalia (15th January 2008) SOMA 004/005/20088

Sudan

EHAHRD-Net condemns current attack on media freedom in Sudan (24th May 2008) SUD 017/006/ 2008

Tanzania

EHAHRD-Net condems arrest of editors in Tanzania (4th March 2008)
TZ 010/007/2008

EHAHRD-Net condemns attack on journalists in Tanzania (8th Jan 2008)
TZ 001/007/2008

Uganda

EHAHRD-Net calls for an end to impunity in the sub-region in its statement to the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights UGA 029/ 008/ 2008

EHAHRD-Net is concerned by increasing attacks on LGBTI activists in Uganda (9th June 2008) UGA 020/008/2008

EHAHRD-Net concerned about stifling of the media in Uganda (28th May 2008) UGA 019/008/2008

Ethiopian Candlelight Vigil in commemoration of the 2005 General Elections in Ethiopia Tonight (15th May 2008) UGA 018/ 008/ 2008

EHAHRD-Net welcomes its new members from Rwanda and Burundi (30th April 2008)
UGA 016/ 008/ 2008

EHAHRD-Net first strategic planning meeting starts today (28th April 2008)
UGA 015/ 008/ 2008