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Pan-African Women Leaders’ Network Hosts High-Level Training on Human Rights Risk Detection

The Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD), a pivotal Pan-African organization empowering women and youth while advancing gender justice and human rights, organized a two-day regional training on Early Warning and Advocacy in Africa.

The workshop, held from November 14–15, 2025, at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in East Legon, Accra, brought together over 30 civil society actors and human rights defenders from across the continent.

The initiative was supported by the EU SEE Programme, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).

The workshop aimed to bolster participants’ ability to detect early warning signs of human rights threats, respond strategically to shrinking civic space, and enhance advocacy interventions within increasingly volatile democratic contexts.

It employed dynamic and participatory methodologies, including case studies, group exercises, role-playing simulations, multimedia presentations, and testimonies from leading civil society practitioners.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, the 30+ participants:

Developed a solid understanding of early warning systems architecture and its relevance to protecting human rights and civic society;
Strengthened their ability to identify and analyze human rights risk indicators;
Acquired practical skills in data collection and analysis;
Learned how to translate early warning signals into effective advocacy strategies;
Produced actionable early warning and advocacy plans tailored to their organizational and national contexts.

Delivering opening remarks, Dr. Pascal Dohou of CIVICUS reiterated the importance of sustained cooperation across Africa to safeguard civic space.

“We appreciate your time and sacrifice—especially over the weekend,” he said. “Today we are in Ghana; next time we may be in Nairobi or South Africa. These engagements will continue because civil society must remain equipped to respond to emerging threats.”

Paul Osei Kuffour, Network Coordinator of WADEMOS, described the gathering as critical given growing reprisals against activists and democratic decline.

“With the weaponization of civic space, defenders must rethink, reimagine, and rekindle their strategies,” he stated. He emphasized WADEMOS’s role as a regional initiative responding to democratic backsliding and the resurgence of military coups.

Representing Hivos East Africa, Onyonge Mengo underscored the need to use reliable data generated through the EU SEE Programme to influence human rights advocacy across the continent.

“We are pleased to support this initiative for the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, and to explore how data can drive change and protect civic space,” she said.

In a message delivered during the event, Prof. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, urged participants to apply and disseminate the knowledge gained.

“This is not just a training — it is an educational platform meant to produce real impact,” he noted. Prof. Lumbu commended RFLD and partners for mobilizing the resources necessary to convene a diverse group of human rights defenders.

WACSI Urges Civil Society to Take Ownership of Regional Change Speaking on behalf of WACSI, Omolara Balogun highlighted the urgency for civil society to build resilience amid unprecedented disruptions to democratic governance.

“With the rapid shifts in our governance systems, the work of civil society is more critical than ever,” she said. She added that as some global partners retreat, African civil society must assume greater leadership in advancing justice, accountability, and development.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitment among the 30+ participants and partner organizations to reinforce early-warning networks, strengthen data-driven advocacy, and foster solidarity across borders.

RFLD expressed optimism that the skills and strategies shared will significantly contribute to defending and expanding civic space across Africa amid growing challenges.