DefendDefenders highlights surge in violations against Sudanese human rights activists
May 23, 2024 (KAMPALA) – The DefendDefenders organization, which operates in the Horn of Africa and East Africa, has revealed a rise in violations against Sudanese human rights defenders since the outbreak of war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
The organization had its Khartoum headquarters bombed and destroyed on the first day of the conflict.
DefendDefenders has provided support to more than 421 Sudanese human rights defenders who have faced violations due to the war. This support includes evacuation to safe areas, assistance to families of defenders, and covering medical expenses for the injured.
On May 17, DefendDefenders joined over 70 groups in a letter released to the UN Human Rights Council ahead of its 56th session urging the Council to extend the Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) mandate on human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.
The DefendDefenders organization, which includes countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Congo, Somalia, and Burundi, held its fourth interactive dialogue session for exiled human rights defenders in Kampala on May 22. The session aimed to develop support systems and enhance cooperation for exiled human rights defenders.
During the session, the organization’s executive director reaffirmed his commitment to protecting exiled human rights defenders and promoting globally recognized rights and freedoms.
Peggy Ayesiga, the Integration Officer in the Office of the Ugandan Prime Minister, highlighted Uganda’s history of welcoming refugees from East African countries. She added, “Uganda not only ensures the dignity of refugees but also guarantees the safety of human rights defenders in exile.”
The interactive dialogue session included a discussion panel to clarify important issues surrounding asylum applications in Uganda, the challenges faced by human rights defenders, and the basic well-being and socio-economic integration of exiled human rights defenders.
An election was held for the leadership of the East African Human Rights Defenders Committee, and Sejoud Al-Garay was elected as the chairperson for Sudan.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, Al-Garay outlined her plans for the committee, which include providing psychological support for defenders, offering postgraduate opportunities in human rights at Makerere University, studying the conditions of human rights activists in these countries, networking and advocating with regional and international organizations to protect defenders, and securing aid from states, embassies, and organizations, considering them the safety valve.
She also emphasized her intention to work with regional and global media to expose the violations faced by defenders in Sudan.
The executive committee for exiled human rights defenders in Uganda was established in 2018 as an initiative by DefendDefenders to improve the conditions of exiled defenders from East African and Horn of Africa countries hosted by Uganda.