HRRG Director Applauds Pan-African Training Empowering Human Rights Defenders
Over 30 African Activists Strengthen Early Warning and Advocacy Skills at RFLD Workshop
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has praised a recent Pan-African training on Human Rights Risk Detection, Early Warning, and Advocacy as transformative and highly practical.
The two-day workshop, hosted 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.
Dr. Wemakor described the event as one of the most engaging learning experiences he has attended. “The combination of case studies, role-playing exercises, multimedia presentations, and firsthand testimonies provided actionable skills in early warning and advocacy. Most importantly, we now have practical tools we can apply immediately within our organizations and communities,” he said.
He highlighted the value of cross-continental collaboration. “Being able to exchange experiences with civil society actors from other countries allowed us to strengthen strategies to protect human rights.
The insights gained will directly inform HRRG’s work in monitoring civic space, identifying risk indicators, and advocating for accountability in Ghana and beyond,” Dr. Wemakor noted.
The training focused on equipping participants to detect human rights risks, analyze early warning signals, and translate these into effective advocacy strategies.
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had gained a comprehensive understanding of early warning system architecture, acquired practical skills in data collection and analysis, and developed organization-specific action plans.
Mr. John Gbenagnon, Senior Officer at RFLD in charge of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, outlined the objectives and agenda, emphasizing the blend of theory and practical exercises. “This training is designed to empower defenders to identify risks, analyze indicators, and develop actionable advocacy strategies,” he said.
The workshop featured high-level contributions from key partners. Prof. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, described the training as an educational platform with real continental impact.
Dr. Pascal Dohou of CIVICUS stressed the importance of sustained regional collaboration, while Paul Osei Kuffour of WADEMOS highlighted the need for defenders to adapt strategies amid shrinking civic spaces.
Onyonge Mengo of Hivos East Africa underscored the importance of data-driven advocacy, while Omolara Balogun of WACSI emphasized civil society resilience amid rapid social and political shifts.
Reflecting on the overall outcomes, Dr. Wemakor said: “The workshop strengthened our ability to anticipate risks, respond proactively, and coordinate effectively with other defenders. It also reinforced the importance of solidarity and knowledge-sharing in protecting human rights across Africa.”
The training concluded with a shared commitment 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.
