From military coups to electoral repression, violence against protesters and journalists, restrictions on the media, and internet shutdowns, 2021 was a tough year for those who raised their voices against injustice in Eastern Africa.
Yet as ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa’s annual report shows, we rose to these challenges throughout the year – including by:
- Building journalists’ capacity on physical and digital self-protection, access to information, and reporting on elections and gender issues;
- Facilitating the creation of networks of women journalists and human rights defenders to help them navigate restrictions, threats, and challenges in the region; and
- Laying the foundation for women to engage in UN advocacy on freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa looks forward to the second phase of our #FreetoProtest campaign, increasing our reach in the region, and enhancing our fundraising efforts so that all people across the region can realise the power of their voices.