Skip to content

Contact Us: +27 78 125 1062

Our Work

TogetherWeDefend!

SoutherDefenders (W&OCLO2)

FROM OUR PARTNERS Find the latest news and updates from our partners in the region

SoutherDefenders (W&OCLO2)

Safe but not silent

REPORTS Research and documentation on human rights defenders in the region

#StandwitHER

SoutherDefenders (W&OCLO2)

HRDS Award

The award seeks to recognize an individual or organization working in any of the 16 Southern Africa region – who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to human rights defending. Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) are continuously under pressure globally, it’s never been more important to raise the profile and honor the work, of brave women and men around the world fighting to promote human dignity usually at great personal risk.

The award for Human Rights Defender of the Year aims to publicly recognise the crucial work of HRDs in Southern Africa who have demonstrated courage and impact in the promotion and protection of human rights during the period of the year. The award ceremony is held annually since 2018. 

Previous Recipients of the Award include:

2022

South Africa

Abahlali baseMjondolo (eKhenana Branch)

South Africa

2021

Zimbabwe

Makomborero Haruziviishe

Zimbabwe

2021

Zambia

Laura Miti

Zambia

2020

(South Africa. Posthumously)

Mama Fikile Nsthangase

(South Africa. Posthumously)

2019

Zimbabwe

Samantha "Gonyeti" Kuraya

Zimbabwe

2018

Angola

Father Padre Jacinto Pio Wacussanga

Angola

Together we defend!

SoutherDefenders (W&OCLO2)

Ubuntu City Centre Launch

The Ubuntu Hub Cities initiative is a city-based relocation initiative for human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk across Africa. The initiative enables HRDs who have been subject to threats, violence, and extreme pressure as a consequence of their human rights work to temporarily relocate. The relocation allows them to be safe and to take a break from their highly stressful and dangerous environment.

Our main aim is to ensure the physical and mental well-being of HRDs during their relocation period while enabling them to continue their work. Through our diverse local partnerships, relocation also provides an opportunity for HRDs at risk to learn and share experiences, so that they can have a positive impact on the host community and return home with enhanced capacities to protect and promote human rights.

The Ubuntu Hub Cities initiative takes inspiration from other city-based relocation initiatives across the world to allow African HRDs to find temporary refuge within their own continent, where they can come into contact with other HRDs sharing similar experiences and working environments.