Human Rights Reporters Ghana boss Joseph Wemakor advocates for civic freedoms at key regional conference in Uganda

Prominent Ghanaian journalist and human rights champion Joseph Kobla Wemakor made significant contributions at a crucial regional conference in Kampala, Uganda, held from August 5-6, 2024.

The conference focused on navigating the delicate intersection between counter-terrorism strategies and the safeguarding of civic freedoms, highlighting the urgent need to protect human rights amid rising repression.

As the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (Youth Sub-platform) and the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Wemakor is well known for his unwavering commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and confronting injustices across the African continent.

His active role in this conference underscored his influence as a leading advocate for human rights and the promotion of democratic values during a time of increasing constraints.

Organized by the Defenders Protection Initiative along with the Civic Advisory Hub, the conference was aptly titled “TOGETHER – Countering Financing of Terrorism While Safeguarding Civic Space.”

It gathered various non-profit organizations and key decision-makers to develop strategies aimed at tackling the complexities of financial crimes while preserving civil liberties.

Wemakor’s participation at the conference came on the heels of his impactful involvement in the Pan Africa Human Rights and Social Justice Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, where he engaged in critical discussions following an invitation from Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in counter-terrorism.

At the Kampala gathering, Wemakor delivered passionate remarks emphasizing the importance of ensuring that counter-terrorism policies do not encroach on civic freedoms. His message resonated with many attendees, as numerous African countries continue to struggle with laws that curtail civil society and freedom of expression under the guise of national security.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity among non-profit entities, Wemakor stressed the need for resilience-building against emerging threats to civic spaces.

He appealed for a governance approach that prioritizes human rights while adequately addressing security challenges.

As the discussions progressed in Kampala, participants expressed hope that the perspectives shared by prominent figures like Wemakor would translate into effective strategies to address the ongoing challenges faced by civil society across Africa.

His involvement not only deepened the dialogue but also inspired hope among those committed to advancing human rights and democratic principles throughout the continent.

Source: Joshua Elikplim Adjei