By HAN News Desk
KAMPALA — The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, widely known as DefendDefenders, is marking its 20th anniversary this year — celebrating two decades of courage, resilience, and impact in protecting human rights defenders in Somalia and across the African continent.
The organization was founded in 2005 by Hassan Shire, a Somali human rights activist who began his mission with a single computer and a small shared desk in an office corner in Kampala, Uganda. From those humble beginnings, DefendDefenders has grown into one of Africa’s most influential regional human rights networks, supporting thousands of activists across the continent.
“One man, with one computer, sitting quietly at a shared office desk, built something extraordinary,” says Hassan Shire, now the organization’s Executive Director. “Today, DefendDefenders stands as a symbol of Africans defending other Africans.”
Over the past 20 years, DefendDefenders has become a lifeline for those standing up for justice, freedom of expression, and equality — often in the most challenging environments. The organization works to strengthen the capacity, safety, and visibility of human rights defenders (HRDs), particularly in regions affected by conflict or political instability.
In Somalia, where security risks and political tension continue to challenge civil society, DefendDefenders has implemented numerous programs designed to protect and empower human rights advocates and journalists.
These include:
• Emergency Support: Providing financial and security assistance to human rights defenders facing threats, attacks, or political persecution.
• Training and Capacity Building: Offering regular workshops on digital security, human rights awareness, and legal protection for civil society activists.
• Psychosocial Support: Delivering mental health and emotional support to activists who endure stress and trauma due to their work.
• Ubuntu Hub Cities Initiative: Giving Somali defenders safe shelter and temporary relocation opportunities through a network of host cities across Africa when under threat.
These initiatives have helped mitigate the risks faced by Somali activists and journalists and have amplified their voices locally and internationally.
Across the continent, DefendDefenders operates from five major offices in East, South, and North Africa, employing over 200 professional staff who support human rights defenders in more than a dozen countries. The organization also leads the AfricanDefenders network, a pan-African coalition that connects human rights organizations, fosters solidarity, and develops strategies to respond to emerging challenges.
DefendDefenders is particularly known for its innovative programs, such as:
• Ubuntu Hub Cities Initiative – providing emergency relocation and protection for defenders at risk.
• Capacity Building Programs – equipping defenders with advocacy, management, and digital security skills.
• Advocacy and Solidarity Campaigns – promoting freedom of expression and defending civic space across Africa.
As the organization marks its 20th anniversary, celebrations focus on both achievements and ongoing challenges in human rights work. The event highlights how far the movement has come — from a small, one-man initiative to a continental force for justice.
“DefendDefenders represents the idea that Africa can stand for itself — that African voices can defend the dignity and rights of other Africans,” Shire said during the anniversary reflections. “Our journey is far from over. We remain committed to ensuring that every defender, in every corner of this continent, is safe, supported, and heard.”
DefendDefenders reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations in Somalia and across Africa, pledging to continue its partnerships with governments, civil society groups, and independent defenders to build a continent rooted in justice, peace, and human dignity.
