Teh landscape for human rights defenders (HRDs) in Africa presents a mixed picture of progress and ongoing obstacles. A recent report by the Special Rapporteur highlights advancements in establishing national protection mechanisms, while also underscoring the persistent challenges that impede the work of those advocating for human rights.

National Protection Mechanisms: A Step Forward

The Special Rapporteur’s report acknowledges positive developments in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, where human rights defenders now have a formal role within the national protection mechanism. This inclusion is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Challenges Remain: Restrictive Laws and Intimidation

Despite these positive steps, the report also addresses the significant challenges that continue to hinder the work of human rights defenders across the continent. These include:

• Restrictive laws that limit freedom of expression and assembly.
• Threats and intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
• A lack of accountability for violations committed against human rights defenders.

The Special Rapporteur also discussed initiatives taken as Country Rapporteur responsible for monitoring the human rights situation in Algeria, Cameroon, Mali and Togo.

Preventing Reprisals: A Collaborative Effort

A significant focus of the report is the ongoing effort to prevent reprisals against HRDs who engage wiht African human rights mechanisms. the Rapporteur emphasized the importance of collaboration with civil society organizations in this area, stressing the need for transparent reporting and institutional action to protect defenders from retaliation.

Effective protection of human rights defenders cannot be achieved without the defenders themselves.

Antoine Tremblay, Africa Fellow at the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)

ISHR’s Perspective: Commendation and Concerns

Antoine Tremblay, Africa Fellow at the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), welcomed the report and commended the Special Rapporteur’s efforts to advance HRD protection. ISHR acknowledged the progress made in recent years, particularly the establishment of national protection mechanisms in three African countries since 2021, with Côte d’Ivoire being the most recent.

Spotlight on Africa’s Island States

Tremblay also highlighted ISHR’s recent report on human rights defenders in Africa’s island states, including Cape verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Seychelles. The report urges continued collaboration with civil society organizations in these countries to address long-standing challenges.

Addressing Intimidation and Seeking Accountability

The ISHR statement further addressed reprisals and intimidation targeting civil society actors who cooperate with the African human rights system. Recalling ISHR’s earlier submissions in response to the 2019-2020 call for inputs, Tremblay called for greater transparency and accountability mechanisms to protect those engaging with regional bodies.

Looking Ahead: Transparency and Action

ISHR expressed hope that the first report of the Focal Point on reprisals will be presented at the Commission’s next session, and urged the Commission and States to take firm action against all forms of intimidation.

Call for an African Declaration

ISHR reiterated its ongoing support for the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and called for progress toward the adoption of an African Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, building on the commitments outlined in the Declaration +25.