HRRG Director Hails Pan-African Training as Game-Changer for Human Rights Defenders

Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has described the recent Pan-African training on Human Rights Risk Detection, Early Warning, and Advocacy as highly transformative and practically impactful.

The two-day workshop, organized by the Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) with support from EU SEE, ACHPR, WADEMOS, and WACSI, brought together over 30 civil society actors, human rights defenders, and activists from across Africa at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, East Legon, on November 14–15, 2025.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Wemakor emphasized the interactive and collaborative approach of the training. “This workshop has been one of the most engaging and impactful learning experiences I have attended,” he said. “The case studies, role-playing exercises, multimedia presentations, and practitioner testimonies provided us with actionable skills in early warning and advocacy. More importantly, it gave us practical tools we can apply immediately within our organizations and communities.”

Dr. Wemakor also highlighted the importance of regional networking and knowledge sharing. “Being able to connect with civil society actors from different countries, share experiences, and develop strategies collectively is invaluable.

The insights I gained will directly inform HRRG’s work in monitoring civic space, identifying risk indicators, and advocating for accountability in Ghana and beyond,” he noted.

The training focused on strengthening participants’ abilities to detect emerging risks to human rights, analyze early warning signals, and develop actionable advocacy strategies.

By the end of the two-day program, attendees had gained a comprehensive understanding of early warning system architecture, acquired practical skills in data collection and analysis, learned how to translate early warnings into effective advocacy strategies, and developed organization-specific action plans.

Mr. John Gbenagnon, Senior Officer at RFLD in charge of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, outlined the workshop objectives and agenda, emphasizing the combination of theory and practical application.

“This training is designed to empower defenders to identify early warning signals, analyze risk indicators, and translate them into actionable advocacy strategies,” he said.

The workshop featured high-level contributions from key regional and international partners. Prof. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, described the training as an educational platform with the potential to produce tangible impact across Africa.

Dr. Pascal Dohou of CIVICUS stressed the importance of sustained collaboration, while Paul Osei Kuffour of WADEMOS highlighted the need for civil society actors to rethink strategies amid shrinking civic spaces and emerging threats.

Representing Hivos East Africa, Onyonge Mengo emphasized data-driven advocacy, noting that EU SEE supports civil society in 86 countries and that this initiative would strengthen continental mechanisms like ACHPR. Omolara Balogun of WACSI highlighted the need for civil society resilience, particularly in the face of rapid political and social changes.

Reflecting on the overall outcomes, Dr. Wemakor said: “This workshop has strengthened our ability to anticipate risks, respond proactively, and coordinate effectively with other defenders.

Beyond the skills, it has reinforced the importance of solidarity and knowledge-sharing in ensuring the protection of human rights across Africa.”

The training concluded with a renewed commitment among participants and partner organizations to strengthen cross-border collaboration, reinforce early warning networks, and promote evidence-based advocacy.

Dr. Wemakor affirmed HRRG’s dedication to applying the insights and strategies gained to defend and expand civic space, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized communities, across Ghana and the African continent.