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The European Union pledged continued dialogue with Uganda’s government to uphold human rights during the International Human Rights Defenders Day 2024 celebration on December 9 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The European Union (EU) has pledged to continue dialoguing with the Government to keep its commitment towards the respect, protection and defence of human rights.

The pledge was made on December 9, 2024, as Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Human Rights Defenders Day 2024.

The celebrations were organised by the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders –Uganda (NCHRD-U) with its partners at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala under the theme: Defending Rights, Shaping Our Future Together.

Danish ambassador to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg, who was the chief guest, reminded the human rights defenders of the urgency with which they need to work to ensure the safety and security of human rights defenders and it’s a collective action and responsibility for all.

This day honors the selfless efforts of individuals who give their all to the promotion and protection of human rights, frequently putting their security and lives in danger to guarantee that everyone has access to freedom, equality, and justice.

Representing Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands and Denmark, the ambassador commended the Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) for their tireless work towards the protection of human rights in the country.

During the commemoration, the coalition is also honoured to host the universal periodic review regional and cluster meetings, which will provide an opportunity for human rights defenders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies to strengthen human rights advocacy.

She says as Uganda approaches the 2026 general election, the government of Denmark and EU states will work with the Ugandan government to promote freedom of expression for all citizens.

According to her, the United Nations in 1998 acknowledged and recognised the work done by human rights defender’s world over in the promotion of rights despite colour, race and religion among others.

“Human rights defenders must continue social networking with others to help mitigate the challenges faced by them in their daily work,” she said.

Hassan Shire, the executive director of Defend Defenders and also the chairperson of African Defenders, challenged the human rights defenders in Africa to continue working towards the protection and promotion of the rights of the communities they work in.

Robert Ssempala, the coalition board vice-chairperson, said the coalition will continue holding those in power accountable for their actions to the general public in adherence to human rights protection and promotion.

Ssempala also raised concerns over the increasingly challenging environment under which the HRDs are under threat and attack.

However, Robert Kirenga, the coalition executive director, raised challenges of rape, killings, discrimination and arrests faced by human rights defenders.

He noted that human rights defenders like political activists, teachers, students and journalists have been discriminated against as they do their work in the protection and promotion of human rights.

Kirenga called for continued partnership with human rights defenders in enhancing human rights promotion and protection in Uganda.