HRRG to Present Global RightsCon 2026 Awards at Africa AML/CFT Conference in Abuja
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) will honour outstanding African leaders, diplomats, human rights defenders and civil society organisations during the HRRG Global RightsCon 2026 Awards, which will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 14 to 17, 2026.
The awards ceremony will be staged as part of the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference, bringing together policymakers, governance experts, civil society organisations and development partners from across Africa.
Held under the theme “Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal,” the awards recognise individuals and institutions whose work has advanced democratic governance, human rights, digital rights, civic participation, diplomacy, social justice and sustainable development on the continent.
HRRG said the awards were originally planned to coincide with the RightsCon 2026 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. Following the cancellation of the summit, however, the organisation’s Board of Directors and Awards Committee resolved to proceed with the initiative and secured the Abuja conference as an alternative continental platform.
According to the organisation, the decision reflects its commitment to ensuring that exceptional leadership and public service receive the recognition they deserve despite the cancellation of the original event.
Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, said the awards seek to celebrate leaders whose work continues to strengthen democratic institutions and promote human dignity across Africa.
“The HRRG Global RightsCon Awards are more than a celebration of achievement; they recognise leadership rooted in integrity, courage, service and an unwavering commitment to the public good. At a time when democratic values and civic freedoms continue to face significant challenges, it is important to honour individuals and institutions whose work strengthens governance, protects fundamental rights and advances human dignity across Africa,” he said.
Dr. Wemakor said the identities of the recipients will be officially announced during the awards ceremony in Abuja.
He noted that this year’s honourees include African Heads of State, senior government officials, diplomats, legal scholars, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, development practitioners, youth advocates and institutions whose contributions have strengthened democracy, peacebuilding, civic engagement, digital inclusion and sustainable development.
The awards ceremony forms part of the official programme of the continental AML/CFT Conference, which focuses on promoting financial integrity, accountability, civic resilience and democratic governance through collaboration among governments, civil society organisations and international development partners.
HRRG expressed appreciation to the conference organisers and strategic partners for hosting the awards and providing a continental platform to recognise leadership in governance, public service and human rights.
The organisation said the complete list of award recipients, official citations, photographs and highlights from the ceremony will be released after the event.
Founded in 2019, Human Rights Reporters Ghana is a dynamic frontline human rights and media-focused civil society organisation dedicated to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation and sustainable development
Its work has received several national and international recognitions, including the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability, the Africa Peace Advocate Award, and recognition among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers.