WADEMOS and RFLD Advocate for Human Rights Defenders at ACHPR 81st Session

Group Photo © RFLD

WADEMOS and RFLD Advocate for Human Rights Defenders at the 81st Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights

By RFLD

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), with the support of the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD), recently presented its situation reports on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in ten African countries during a side event at the 81st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) organized by RFLD and held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

RFLD President, Agueh Dossi Gloria, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, Women's rights are human rights. In West Africa, women continue to face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and limited access to justice. RFLD is committed to empowering women and girls, and ensuring their voices are heard. We call on governments and civil society to prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the ACHPR and Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, delivered a powerful address on the crucial role of HRDs in promoting human rights and democracy. He underscored the importance of collaboration between HRDs and the ACHPR in addressing the challenges faced by HRDs in Africa.

John Gbenagnon of RFLD © RFLD

Dr. Michael Akagbor, Senior Programs Officer at CDD and a Human Rights Expert, presented the key findings and recommendations of the report. He highlighted the increasing recognition of HRDs as essential actors in driving social and political change, while also acknowledging the significant risks they face.

The report, titled "The Situation of Human Rights Defenders in West Africa," analyzed the challenges faced by HRDs in ten West African countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal.

Key findings included:

• Harassment and Restrictions: HRDs are frequently subjected to harassment, intimidation, and restrictions on their freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.

• State Capture of Media: In several countries, state capture of the media limits the ability of HRDs to disseminate information and hold authorities accountable.

To address these challenges, the report recommended several actions, including:

• Strengthening the Role of the ACHPR: The ACHPR should increase its efforts to protect HRDs through periodic visits to member states, issuing reports on the situation of HRDs, and advocating for their rights.

• Developing an ECOWAS Protocol: ECOWAS should develop a protocol for the protection of HRDs to provide a stronger legal framework for their work.

Empowering National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs): NHRIs should implement the Marrakech Declaration to promote and protect the rights of HRDs, particularly women HRDs.

Strengthening Collaboration: HRDs, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders should collaborate to enhance the safety of HRDs and establish effective reporting mechanisms.

By highlighting the critical issues faced by HRDs in West Africa, this side event contributed to the ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders and promote democratic governance in the region.