The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) is participating in the Expert Meeting on the Draft African Declaration on the Promotion of the Role of Human Rights Defenders and their Protection in Africa, taking place from 9–11 April 2026 in Dakar, Senegal. The meeting is convened by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights as part of an ongoing continental process to develop a comprehensive framework for the recognition, protection, and promotion of human rights defenders (HRDs) across Africa.

THRDC is represented by Advocate Paul Kisabo, Head of Protection Programs, who joins a diverse group of experts including representatives of States, National Human Rights Institutions, civil society organizations, academia, and international mechanisms. The meeting is chaired by Hon. Commissioner Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Focal Point on Reprisals, and Focal Point on Judicial Independence in Africa, reflecting the importance of strengthening institutional safeguards for defenders across the continent.

The expert meeting is a critical step in refining the draft African Declaration before its submission to the Commission for adoption. It seeks to ensure that the Declaration adequately addresses the growing challenges faced by human rights defenders, including increasing restrictions on civic space, threats, reprisals, and limited national protection frameworks. Despite the existence of regional and international standards, only a few African countries have adopted specific laws for the protection of human rights defenders, highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated African instrument.

Through a structured review process, participants are examining the draft Declaration in detail, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements to ensure it reflects African realities while aligning with international human rights standards. The meeting also provides a platform to generate recommendations aimed at strengthening State obligations to respect, protect, and fulfil the rights of defenders, including ensuring accountability for violations and fostering an enabling environment for civic engagement.

THRDC welcomes the recognition of its role by the Commission in this important process and reiterates its commitment to advancing the protection of human rights defenders in Tanzania and across Africa. By contributing to this continental initiative, THRDC seeks to ensure that the final Declaration is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the lived experiences of defenders, including those operating in restrictive environments. The Coalition remains dedicated to promoting a safe and enabling environment in which all human rights defenders can carry out their work freely and effectively.

Issued by

THRDC

April 09, 2026