Joseph Bikanda

As we continue our #SheDefends campaign this week, we are taking time to highlight regional and international human rights mechanisms and legal frameworks designed to support and protect women’s rights, as well as the women human rights defenders working to advance them. Take some time to watch our Senior Programs Officer, Walda Keza Shaka, as she explains how to engage with the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa. In this video, she elaborates how these mechanisms can be used by women human rights defenders in practice to advance justice and strengthen their protection. #SheDefends

As a woman human rights defender, are you aware of the regional and international legal frameworks (laws and policies) that protect your rights, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the Maputo Protocol), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders?

Happy Women’s Day Joyeuse journée de la femme عيد سعيد للمرأة Heri ya Siku ya Wanawake Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. In a special way, we celebrate women human rights defenders and recognise the vital contributions they make to building more just and equal societies. As we celebrate their work and impact, we also call on everyone to play a role in protecting those who defend the rights of others by advancing justice for them, through raising awareness, supporting women human rights defenders, and advocating for stronger protections for their work. #SheDefends #IWD2026

Photos from our #SouthSudan event today at #HRC61. We thank panellists & partners, as well as all state & OHCHR representatives who attended.

Today, we kick off our annual month long #SheDefends campaign, which aims to amplify the voices of women human rights defenders (WHRDs) across Africa. This year, we will place particular emphasis on existing regional and international legal frameworks that recognise and protect women’s rights, affirm the legitimacy of WHRDs, and guarantee protection for those who defend the rights of others. While these frameworks provide important safeguards, WHRDs continue to face disproportionate risks, including threats, harassment, reprisals, and structural exclusion. Throughout the month of March, we will seek to examine where the gap between paper and practice lies and how commitments can translate into meaningful protection. Be part of the conversation using #SheDefends.

📢 General debate at the UN Human Rights Council's 6⃣1⃣st session 🚨 Today, responding to OHCHR Chief @Volker_Turk's global update (item 2⃣), DefendDefenders: 🔹 Condemned the arbitrary detention & lengthy interrogation of Pan-Africanist law­yer @TamukaKagoro77, and his sub­­se­quent declaration as persona non grata & forcible deportation from #Kenya. 🔸 Drew @UN_HRC's attention to the importance of protecting human rights defenders (#HRDs) & civic space — an open civic space isn't only a human rights imperative; it's a practical safeguard against risks of violations & violence. 📺 Full debate: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1u/k… (morning) / webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k… (afternoon) 🗒️ All our #HRC61 statements: defenddefenders.org/oral-statement… 🇰🇪 🇺🇳 @Hassan_Shire @BikJo

🇸🇸 Enhanced interactive dialogue on #SouthSudan — Read @MemoryBandera' address to the @UN_HRC 🇺🇳 Memory spoke from the podium, as a civil society representative, and highlighted: ▫️ That this is the most dangerous time since the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. ▪️ The role of civil society & human rights defenders (#HRDs). ▫️ The need for the international community to re-prioritise South Sudan, support the @UNCHRSS, and stand ready to respond to any further deterioration of the situation. ▶️ defenddefenders.org/oral-statement… ◀️ #HRC61 @Hassan_Shire

🗣️ A thread for DefendDefenders’ oral statements at the UN Human Rights Council’s 6⃣1⃣st session 🧵 We start with SUDAN 🇸🇩 — today, during an enhanced interactive dialogue (EID), our Executive Director @Hassan_Shire took the floor to: 🔸 Urge states to act on 3⃣ fronts: civilian protection, constraints on per­pe­trators, and accountability. 🔹 Stress the distinct value of each mechanism work­ing on Sudan. 🔸 Encourage complementarity & coordination and suggest thematic areas for future UN reports. ❝ The patterns documented, in particular the Fact-Finding Mission’s findings of ‘hallmarks of genocide’ against non-Arab communities, are a stain of the cons­cience of humankind. ❞ 🗒️ Read/Download full statement (& other #HRC61 statements): defenddefenders.org/oral-statement… 🇺🇳 #Sudan

I have known Brian Bright Tamuka Kagoro for close to 26 years. We met as young Pan-Africanists and human rights lawyers and have walked a two and a half decade journey advancing our continent’s and diaspora’s aspirations.

🇳🇪#PS52 @AbdoulayeKanni du RNDDH a parlé du rétrécissement de l'espace civique et appelé le #Niger à garantir les libertés d’association, d'expression et des médias, à réformer les lois sur les #OSC, à enquêter sur les arrestations arbitraires et à protéger les #DDH.

At the High-Level Breakfast Meeting: Financing & Reaffirming Africa’s Gender Commitments,SRRWA underscored that financing gender equality is a legal obligation under the #AfricanCharter & #MaputoProtocol,requiring budgetary commitments to realise women’s economic & social rights.

[FAMILY PHOTO] The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has concluded its engagements at the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).

NED congratulates Aziza Abdirasulova, founder and director of Kylym Shamy, on being awarded the 2026 Raoul Wallenberg Prize. The award honors her extraordinary courage and commitment to defending human rights in the Kyrgyz Republic. Learn more here: ned.org/ned-congratula…

Sous le regard lourd des #armes tanzaniennes, les #Sungusungu avancent en silence et brisent les #murs fragiles où vivaient encore des espoirs d’exil. Les #toits tombent, la #poussière remplace les rêves, et les #enfants regardent la pluie entrer là où il y avait autrefois un foyer. Pendant ce temps, le #HCR désactive dans son système les réfugiés dont les maisons ont été détruites et qui refusent de s’enrôler pour le retour, les privant ainsi d’accès à la nourriture. @TeamSuluhuSamia @BurundiGov @jumuiya @refugees,@Refugees_EU @UNHCRTanzania,@ohchr @UnhcrD @ZulqarnainAnjum, @achpr_cadhp @Ganhri1 ,@RS_Burundi @eu_echo @USAmbTanzania @CanadaTanzania @AmnestyEARO , @UNICEF , @DefendDefenders, @refugeesint @hrw, @CIVICUSalliance, @ProtectionInt @trcsHQ, @ISHRglobal @hivos ,@hrdburundi @CIVICUSalliance , @NEDemocracy , @KIOSFoundation ,@TheRWCHR @AmnestyEARO , @amnestynl , @bikjo

@NEDemocracy was born thanks to the vision of President @RonaldReagan. As we celebrate his 115th birthday, we are honored to be America’s foundation for #freedom and #democracy abroad. @RepMikeTurner @RepLoisFrankel @MarioDB

@AccountLab @Belovedchiweshe @accountlabzw @Makil Congratulations comrade!

📣 Accountability Lab is pleased to share that @Belovedchiweshe has been appointed as the Country Director of @accountlabzw. Beloved succeeds McDonald Lewanika (@Makil), now Executive Director for Accountability Lab East & Southern Africa. With 15+ years in democracy, human rights, and governance, he brings deep institutional experience to the role. 🔗 Full announcement: bit.ly/3LXtbF3 #MakingGovernanceWorkForThePeople #Leadership #Accountability #Zimbabwe

And finally thrilled to introduce panelist Dr. Zahara Nampewo, respected Ugandan human rights scholar & advocate. Expert in gender justice, legal education & strategic litigation—award-winning leader. Her voice advances transparent, merit-based 2026 selections. #AUHR

Honored to introduce panelist Mr. Ibrahima Kane, distinguished lawyer & lifelong African human rights advocate. Deep expertise from decades with ACHPR, AU, regional courts & civil society. Strengthening our Independent Panel for transparent 2026 elections. #AUHR #HumanRights

During an official mission to Brussels, Belgium our Executive Director @Hassan_shire paid a courtesy call on long-time colleague and humanitarian worker in Somalia, H.E. Dr. @khadijali9, Somalia’s Ambassador to the Benelux union and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the European Union. Dr. Khadija Ossoble Ali is also a founding member of the Peace and Human Rights Network (PHRN) Somalia where Hassan served as chairperson between 1998 and 2001. PHRN is an umbrella organisation across Somalia that seeks to promote human rights, peace building, and civil society empowerment.