The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) is proud to announce its integration into the Support Group for the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, led by the Honorable Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
This decision was formalized during the 81st Ordinary Session of the ACHPR, which took place from October 17 to November 6, 2024.
By joining the Support Group, RFLD strengthens its commitment to defending the rights of youth and women and promoting their participation in decision-making processes. RFLD has always been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality and the protection of human rights in Africa, and this new collaboration represents an opportunity to amplify this voice.
Objectives of RFLD
1. Capacity Building: RFLD is committed to strengthening the capacities of human rights defenders, particularly youth and women defenders, to better navigate the legal and practical challenges they face.
2. Awareness Raising: RFLD will work to raise public awareness and inform decision-makers about human rights issues, emphasizing the importance of freedom of association and assembly.
3. Advocacy: In collaboration with the Support Group, RFLD will advocate for legislative reforms that protect human rights defenders and ensure a free and safe civic space.
The Role of the Support Group
The Support Group for the Special Rapporteur, renewed for a period of two years, is composed of key organizations that play a vital role in promoting and monitoring human rights in Africa. The inclusion of RFLD in this group is a strong indication of the importance of women’s voices in discussions about human rights.
Members of the Support Group
The Support Group includes several influential organizations:
– International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL)
– West African Human Rights Defenders Network (ROADDH/WAHRDN)
– International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
– Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)
– East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net)
– African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)
– Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC)
– Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA)
– Network of National Human Rights Institutions (RINADH)
– Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN)
– North Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (CIDH)
– Network of Human Rights Defenders in the Lusophone area
– Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD), recently appointed as a member.
The guidelines on freedom of association and assembly are essential to ensure that citizens can organize freely and express their opinions without fear of reprisals. These guidelines provide a framework for states to respect and protect these fundamental rights.
The effective implementation of these guidelines requires collaboration between states, civil society, and regional bodies like the ACHPR. RFLD, as a member of the Support Group, will play a key role in this implementation by providing recommendations and supporting local initiatives.
RFLD is excited to join the Support Group for the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders. This collaboration represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen efforts for human rights in Africa, particularly for women human rights defenders. With the commitment of Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu and the support of member organizations, we are confident that we can contribute to a safer and fairer environment for all human rights defenders.
We encourage all stakeholders to join us in this fight for human rights. Together, we can make a significant difference and ensure that freedom of association and assembly is respected and protected across the African continent. The time has come to act, to defend the rights of the most vulnerable, and to promote a future where everyone can express themselves freely, without fear of reprisals.
