Civil society organizations in Ankole have launched a new fund aimed at assisting human rights defenders when they encounter trouble.
The “Grassroots Defenders Fund (GDF)” is supported by forty civil society actors in the region. It will serve as a last-resort fund where money can be raised to support interventions such as legal aid for human rights defenders.
Irene Number One, Chairperson of the Grassroots Defenders Fund, explained that the fund is designed to aid human rights defenders facing challenges while advocating for people’s rights, rather than those whose rights have already been violated.
She disclosed that 150 million shillings have been raised from membership fees and annual subscriptions from the 40 civil society organizations (CSOs).
Irene mentioned that the idea for the fund arose during a 5-day orientation training program for the CSOs. They recognized the necessity for a fund capable of addressing financial constraints.
During the fund’s launch, Christine Ainomugisha from the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s Mbarara branch expressed concern that government officials, particularly those from the President’s office, are increasingly among the foremost violators of human rights. She urged defenders to collaborate with the Uganda Human Rights Commission to hold them accountable.
Ainomugisha also urged CSOs to consistently involve government entities such as the Inspectorate of Government and Ministry of Gender to ensure protection from human rights violators during their work.
She additionally challenged human rights defenders to attempt dialogue first when handling family matters before resorting to costly court proceedings.
Shallon Ndyamusiima, National Coordinator of the Grassroots Defenders Fund, emphasized that the fund has been launched at a crucial time when human rights defenders and journalists, who often lead in advocating for rights, face intimidation and harassment.
She outlined that the fund’s support will encompass urgent and short-term assistance like bail and bond applications for arrested human rights defenders, monitoring fees for court trials, humanitarian aid, dependency support, and urgent medical expenses.
Dona Kyomugisha, Director of the Centre for Women in Development and Coordinator of the Grassroots Defenders Fund in Ankole sub-region, clarified that funds from donors are allocated for activities aimed at defending human rights, not for supporting defenders during their work. She urged justice-minded individuals to support the fund.
Barnabas Tugumisirize, Director of the Civic Space Movement, added that the fund will aid human rights defenders and journalists confronting court cases resulting from human rights violations or fabricated charges against them.
Across the globe, human rights defenders (HRDs) and journalists strive to safeguard human rights, often risking their lives and livelihoods. Emergency funding is crucial to ensuring their safety and providing essential medical treatment in response to imminent threats.
