In West Africa, where threats against human rights defenders (HRDs) are on the rise, the West African Network of Human Rights Defenders has been committed, for more than twenty years, to providing them with the support and protection they need to survive and grow stronger.

The main threats and obstacles faced by human rights defenders include political instability, the rise of armed groups, state repression, and social stigmatization. Specific challenges such as impunity, limited access to justice, and the lack of national legal safeguards jeopardize their safety. Added to these are digital surveillance and restrictions on freedom of expression online.

In response to this situation, the Network is implementing various protection mechanisms: early warning teams, legal assistance programs, temporary relocation programs, emergency assistance, and advocacy platforms.

ROADDH’s early warning system relies on a network for collecting and analyzing information from coalitions and protection officers. As soon as a threat emerges, this system places particular emphasis on capacity building and training for human rights defenders. It regularly organizes training sessions on human rights, digital security, risk management, and advocacy techniques, enabling defenders to adopt safety practices better suited to their specific circumstances.

In addition, ROADDH coordinates the temporary relocation of defenders at risk, providing those under threat with a safe environment in which to continue their work under protected conditions.

The protection approach adopted is comprehensive and inclusive, as it covers all 16 countries where the network operates. In particular, it includes a strategy dedicated to women human rights defenders through the Network ’s Women Human Rights Defenders Movement. The Network offers psychological support and safe spaces.

By developing a specific strategy for the Sahel and Guinea—where challenges to protection are exacerbated by conflict, political instability, institutional weakness, and the influence of local traditions—ROADDH aims to expand the scope and effectiveness of its efforts on behalf of human rights defenders in West Africa.