From November 16 to 19, 2026, in Lomé, the West African Network of Human Rights Defenders (ROADDH) will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Combining remembrance, tributes, the arts, advocacy, and reflection on the future of the protection of human rights defenders, this anniversary is intended to be a historic milestone for the human rights movement in West Africa.
Twenty years after its founding, the West African Network of Human Rights Defenders (ROADDH) is preparing to mark a historic milestone in its history. From November 16 to 19, 2026, the Togolese capital will host the statutory meetings and commemorative celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of this regional organization, which has, over the years, become a key player in the promotion and protection of human rights defenders in West Africa.
Founded on May 27, 2005, ROADDH has built its reputation on a core mission: to support those who, often at the risk of their own safety, defend fundamental freedoms, justice, and human dignity. Regional solidarity, advocacy, capacity building, assistance to defenders at risk, and networking among national actors have been the pillars of its work for two decades.
Much More Than Just a Birthday
Beyond its commemorative aspect, this celebration is intended to be a moment of collective reflection on the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead for the human rights movement in the subregion. It will provide an opportunity to revisit the major milestones in the Network’s history, to highlight the contributions of human rights defenders—including women defenders—and to identify strategic priorities for the next ten years.
At a time when civic space continues to face multiple pressures, ROADDH intends to use this anniversary as a platform for dialogue on protection mechanisms, strengthening alliances, and seeking sustainable solutions to support the work of human rights defenders.
Four days of strategic meetings
Activities will begin on November 16 and 17 with the Network’s governance meetings. The Board of Directors will meet first, followed by the Annual General Meeting, which will bring together representatives of the member national coalitions and the various statutory bodies.
November 18 and 19 will be dedicated to public celebrations. Members of the Network, technical and financial partners, national and international institutions, philanthropists, the media, artists, and representatives of civil society will come together with a common goal: to reaffirm their collective commitment to protecting human rights defenders.
Memory, the Arts, and Civic Engagement
One of the distinctive features of this anniversary is the emphasis placed on culture and creativity. Exhibitions, personal accounts, audiovisual presentations, works of art, theater, music, slam poetry, and poetry will all help tell a different story of twenty years of struggles, resistance, and hope.
The first day of the celebration will feature, among other things, a retrospective on the Network’s achievements, discussions on the transformations taking place in West Africa’s civic sphere, and a festival combining the arts and human rights. This is a way for ROADDH to further open up the human rights movement to other segments of society and reach a wider audience.
Building the Alliances of Tomorrow
The second day will place greater emphasis on resource mobilization and the search for sustainable solutions to support human rights defenders. Discussions will bring together foundations, businesses, institutional partners, and philanthropic actors to explore innovative mechanisms for funding the protection of human rights defenders.
The Network also aims to strengthen synergies among organizations, institutions, and partners in order to build a sustainable regional commitment to the defense of fundamental freedoms.
Honoring those who have left their mark on history
A highlight of the celebrations will be a tribute ceremony honoring the women and men whose actions have had a profound impact on the defense of human rights in West Africa. A special tribute will be paid to the missing human rights defenders, whose commitment continues to inspire new generations.
Honors will also be awarded to recognize outstanding achievements in areas such as courage, leadership by women human rights defenders, freedom of expression, regional solidarity, socially engaged arts, and institutional service within the human rights movement.
Looking Toward the Future
Through this celebration, ROADDH is not merely looking back on its past. Above all, it aims to prepare for the future by consolidating its institutional memory, strengthening its partnerships, and mobilizing new resources to address emerging challenges.
Twenty years after its founding, the Network remains committed to the belief that the protection of human rights defenders is a collective responsibility. In Lomé, in November 2026, an entire region will come together to celebrate a legacy of courage and reaffirm that no sustainable development, no democracy, and no true peace can be achieved without the women and men who defend human rights.
