In 2019, human rights defenders in many places in Africa braved cruel punishment in challenging the governments human rights abuses. They refused to back down from the rising closure of civil spaces in many places in the continent. Pushing for authoritarianism states are wielding largely unfettered powers to suppress those aspiring for and promoting a vision of Africa with respect for universal human rights. Defenders sought accountability and justice and stood in solidarity with victims, often putting their own liberties and lives at risk.

And that’s where we come in. We provide strategic support to leaders and groups offering cutting-edge solutions to some of Africa’s greatest challenges. We work to protect people whose work is endangered by corrupt African governments, private companies, and criminal organizations. In today’s climate of rising authoritarianism, activists increasingly face repressive legal restrictions, stigmatised, falsely prosecuted, entrapped, jailed, assassinated, endure digital and physical security threats, and are depicted as dangerous troublemakers in order to undermine their public support.