Guide and guidelines on the protection of human rights defenders in Africa

Women human rights defenders work tirelessly to uphold, promote, and secure the rights of women and girls, as well as those of society as a whole. They have made significant contributions to the progress achieved so far in promoting gender equality and the enjoyment of human rights. A safe and enabling work environment for women human rights defenders is essential for their work to have an impact.

The Guide and Guidelines on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in Africa serve as an information resource, outlining the legal and policy framework that guarantees the rights of women human rights defenders and establishes obligations for African States to respect, promote, and fulfil these rights. Importantly, it sets out opportunities and approaches that African States and the African Union’s human rights institutions could apply nationally and in regional deliberations and engagements to strengthen legal frameworks for the protection of women’s human rights defenders. It provides practical advice on steps that can lead to the adoption of effective measures for the protection of women human rights defenders through holistic, gender-responsive legislative, policy and administrative measures.

In addition, the Guide also serves as a tool for human rights defenders and those who support their work, protection, and safety, informing their advocacy strategies to promote the implementation of State obligations towards the rights of women human rights defenders.

It is hoped that States can use the information in this Guide and Guidelines to design their country-specific legal and administrative measures and strategies to fulfil their commitments to protect human rights defenders.