Boosting human rights defense in Chad through EU-UN partnership

On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Chad hosted a pivotal evaluation workshop in N’Djamena. The event centered on the three-year project titled ‘Supporting Civil Society Organizations Promoting Human Rights and Defenders in Chad’, a joint initiative funded by the European Union and launched in May 2023.

The project empowered 13 local organizations to expand their efforts in safeguarding human rights across the country. During the gathering, Félix Ahouansou, the UN Human Rights Representative and Head of the Chad Country Office, and Agnès Kovacs, Head of Governance at the European Union Delegation, highlighted the critical role of civil society in fostering a rights-respecting state.

Ahouansou commended the European Union for its unwavering commitment to human rights initiatives in Chad. He emphasized that the project, which runs from May 17, 2023, to June 30, 2026, is designed to bolster civil society organizations and human rights defenders. These groups are vital to establishing a legal framework that upholds fundamental freedoms, despite persistent challenges such as institutional constraints, shrinking civic space, and security threats.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to review the project’s achievements. So far, 58 victims of gender-based violence and human rights abuses have received legal and judicial support, with 25 cases handled in collaboration with the Barreau du Tchad. Additionally, 61 individuals, including nine men, benefited from material, psychosocial, and medical assistance through a partner organization.

Agnès Kovacs underscored the significance of the closing workshop, which assessed the project’s progress and its tangible impact on beneficiaries. She expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office and the grantee organizations for their dedication.

The event brought together dozens of participants, including civil society representatives, technical partners, and direct beneficiaries. Discussions focused on evaluating past actions, sharing best practices, and outlining recommendations for future initiatives.