DefendDefenders provides rapid protection, emergency assistance and long-term support to human rights defenders facing threats in the East and Horn of Africa. They offer both preventive and responsive interventions depending on the level of risk and the specific context of the defender’s work. All support is grounded in peaceful human rights engagement.
Who they support #
DefendDefenders supports human rights defenders and civil society actors working peacefully across a wide range of thematic areas, including youth activists, environmental defenders, SRHR advocates, LGBTQI+ activists, disability rights defenders, journalists and media workers, Indigenous rights defenders, land and refugee rights defenders, women human rights defenders, groups working on children’s rights, and other at-risk human rights actors.
Eligible applicants include individuals, informal networks, unregistered groups, registered organisations and alliances.
Geographical focus:
Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia (including Somaliland), South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
What support is available #
Financial support may include:
- Legal fees, litigation, appeal costs, fines, trial observation
- Emergency and long-term medical care, psychosocial support
- Relocation, repatriation, rest and respite, safe housing
- Secure transportation or evacuation
- Security measures, equipment replacement, and expert recruitment
- Personal development through short courses or language training
- Family support and wellbeing services
Non-financial support may include:
- Advocacy at national and international levels, including the UN
- Risk assessments, fact-finding, monitoring and reporting
- Referrals to other protection providers
- Donated or discounted hardware and software
- Digital and physical security support
- Mentorships, internships and tailored trainings
- Social integration support after relocation
- Solidarity visits and emergency appeals
- A 24/7 security helpline
They also offer fellowships, awards and core/flexible funding as part of their broader support.
How to apply #
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted through:
- Email:
- Website: https://www.defenddefenders.org
- Referrals from trusted partners
Response time #
Emergency protection requests typically receive a response within 48 hours.
Where to learn more #
Website: https://www.defenddefenders.org
Email:
Security helpline (24/7): +256 783 027 611
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