Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization

25/01/2022

Incredible and great job done by Staff of Pluralism Immigrant Services

22/12/2021

Christmas Greetings

The Board of Trustees, Management and Staff of Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Full of Happiness and Joy

Thank you for your continued support and relentless effort in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Freedom in Africa and around the globe.

Continue to be Safe during this Festive Season with God's abundant blessings

14/12/2021

THE RELEVANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

The recent concluded Human Rights Day on December 10, 2021, should be a day to reflect, demand, protect and advance human rights. The organization motto is a replica of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration which reaffirms that;

'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'

However, most governments and agencies around the world have turned their citizens into a chess board and move them at your whims. One of the greatest Genevan Philosopher by the name, Jean Jacques Rousseau once stated in his works; 'The Social Contract', that;

'Man is born free but he is everywhere in chains'

Rousseau asserts that; modern states repress the physical freedom that is our birthright, and do nothing to secure the civil freedom for the sake of which we enter into civil society.'

While many countries recognize human rights, democracy and the rule of law as the basis for resilient and stable societies, many people around the world are still unaware of the existence of the UDHRs and the rights enshrined therein. As a result, many human rights abuses go unreported, unchallenged and therefore no redress is sought due to lack of knowledge of the existence of the human rights instruments and treaties.

As an organization, we continue to echo to national governments, partner organizations and to staff to protect and promote human rights. Government should bring the perpetrators including errant police officers and military officers who trump upon the rights of innocent citizens.

The promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms is a collective responsibility and it most always be a top priority for States as primary duty bearers. The role of Non-State Actors in addressing discrimination and inequalities cannot be over-emphasized as they continue to play complimentary roles in the promotion and protection of human rights.

02/12/2021

Course on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

The demand for Environmental, Social and Corporate governance (ESG) criteria in investing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The ESG trend, and the incentives it creates for businesses and investors provide unique advocacy opportunities for civil society to influence institutional investment policies and corporate behaviors with unprecedented efficacy and precision.

We therefore encourage all environmental activists, human right defenders and social activists to participate and register for this online course.

For more details, please follow the link below;

This training will provide an overview and context of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) as a current phenomenon in order to outline opportunities it offers for civil society for fostering social change, advocacy, and influence over businesses in contributing to positive social ch...

26/11/2021

Apply now for ISHR's Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme

Are you a human rights defender keen to use the UN to push for change at home?

If so, this opportunity might be just what you need to further increase your impact on the ground!

After two successful online editions in 2020 and 2021, ISHR is pleased to launch the call for applications for the third online edition of the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), which will take place remotely between 4 April and 24 June 2022.

The course equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the UN human rights system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner. It also provides an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in lobbying and advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to create change back home.

Follow the link below to apply now:

15/11/2021

Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) 2021

The final day of COP26 has come to an end in Glasgow, yet the challenging negotiations may extend to Sunday. Let's continue to pray for the delegates and world leaders: for strength, courage, and wisdom to act now in pursuit of a just and sustainable future. 🌍
We are partnered with the Christian Climate Observers Program-CCOP, whose COP26 newsletters give a daily look from the ground. Catch up to these updates—several authored by our Canadian representatives—here:

https://www.ccopclimate.org/reporting-from-cop26?fbclid=IwAR35Pi5QE4ZDqNKgf_m3sRalAoZaKWv2Zuceb74lAWxfYpsmIVZ2Qu-8S4g

We have more highlights, reflections, and calls to action to come, so stay tuned in the next week!

Week Two Newsletters 11/12 Daily Update: click here11/11 Daily Update: click here11/10 Daily Update: click here11/9 Daily Update: click here11/8 Daily Update: click hereWeek One Newsletters11/5 Daily Update: click here11/4 Daily Update: click here11/3 Daily Update: click here 11/2 Daily Update: clic...

15/11/2021

Call to Protect the Environment for Future Sustainability

Our Environmental Manager, Mr. Samula Abdul Magidh during the Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization Environment Initiative held a workshop on Friday, 12th November, 2021. He donated tree seedlings to the locals and farmers of Mityana District and called upon all Ugandans to protect and conserve our beautiful environment for sustainability and the next generation. He also called upon the government to stop giving out forests to investors which destruction of forests have greatly affected the climate and nature. He said that; "There is need for government to support the locals by providing them with tree seedlings and encouraging more tree planting to protect the ecosystem and the environment since natural calamities around the world or Uganda are as a result of poor environmental practices which has affected human habitation and caused massive displacement”.

He also thanked the campaign drive by AROCHA-CANADA in helping to educate environmental activists around the world since knowledge and research is key in the protection of out beautiful environment.

As Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization, we lead by example and it is our duty to teach, educate and protect the environment.

15/11/2021

Call for Consultation by The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights. Follow the link below for more information;

Call for a Consultant (Facilitator)BackgroundThe African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is an independent, pan-African regional human rights organization established in 1989 and based in Banjul, The Gambia. The African Centre upholds and promotes Article 25 of the African Cha...

22/12/2020

Condemnation of the Arrest of a Human Rights Lawyer in Uganda.

Its an absurdity that the Uganda Security Apparatus have arrested a renown human rights lawyer, Nicolas Opio on allegations of "money laundering and malicious charges". and currently under police custody.

As human rights defenders, we echo to the government of Uganda and the Uganda police to respect the rights of the suspect and his well-being while under police custody as enshrined under the Constitution of Uganda.

The suspect should be accorded access to his family, lawyer and doctor. The due process of the law should be adhered to and we continue to call upon the Uganda government to create a cordial environment for HRDs and civil society organizations to freely operate in a democracy.

Uganda is a signatory to the UN Conventions and the African Charter on human rights and should therefore respect its obligation under these international and regional instruments.

Free Opio Nicolas Free Opio Nicolas Free Opio Nicolas

11/07/2020

Call for Support to the Marginalized LGBTQ+ Ugandan Refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya

My name is Victor Mukasa, an international LGBTQ+ human rights defende… Victor Mukasa needs your support for Support LGBTQ Refugees on Block 13 in Kakuma Camp

28/04/2020

Climate Change Initiative

Climate Change Activists and Human Rights Advocate!!!

JOIN THE LAUNCH OF THE AFRICA CLIMATE ACTION INITIATIVE!

African communities will be hit hardest by the climate crisis even while contributing the least to global carbon emissions. Indeed, the continent has contributed only 2-3% of GHG emissions, yet communities across the continent are already being hard hit by droughts and flooding - and accompanying challenges including huge locust infestations, food insecurity, health challenges, conflicts and forced displacement.

But many groups in Africa are working hard to adapt and build resilience. We are launching the Africa Climate Action Initiative (ACAI) as an initiative of the Canada Africa Partnership Network to support these much needed efforts!

The ACAI seeks to promote climate action in Africa by partnering with African organizations working on climate change issues to share capacity building and resources. The ACAI is looking for volunteers to join and support our initiative!! Check the opportunities here, and if you are interested please contact Sarah Kamau and Katie Fettes at [email protected]

Please join us for the online launch of the initiative on Thursday May 7th, 2020 at 6pm EDT to learn more, support & get involved | Livestream: https://youtu.be/sqXU2w0Mg3o

Eventbrite Register: africa-climate-action-initiative.eventbrite.ca
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/218873829442445/
Livestream: https://youtu.be/sqXU2w0Mg3o
Learn more & support: http://www.capnetwork.ca/african-projects/acai/
To join our fundraising bikeathon (taking place June 6-7): https://canadaafricapartnershipride.ca/acai/

Together, we stand for climate action and resilience. Together, we imagine a healthy and regenerative Africa and future!

Ride in support of the Africa Climate Action Initiative! Africa is the continent the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is causing food insecurity, health challenges, poverty, conflicts and forced migration. The Africa Climate Action Initiative seeks to promote and accelerate ....

10/11/2019

LGBT persecution continues to take centre stage in Uganda.

The link below indicates the continued marginalization, torture and inhumane treatment meted by the authoritarian regime towards gender minorities in Uganda.

Men could face life in jail as campaigners warn of escalating attacks on s*xual minorities