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Hassan Shire, the Somali-born Executive Director of DefendDefenders and Chairperson of AfricanDefenders, has been awarded the Shield Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long commitment to protecting and empowering human rights defenders across Africa.
The award was presented at a landmark gathering held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, bringing together more than 200 human rights defenders, regional experts, and global advocates. The event marked a celebration of twenty years of resilience, reflection, and renewed commitment to advancing human rights on the continent.
Throughout the conference, participants showcased the transformative power of human rights work through exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and tributes to defenders who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and freedom. It was both a celebration of progress and a moment to reaffirm the enduring challenges faced by those on the frontlines.
Hassan Shire’s journey is itself a testament to perseverance and courage. Two decades ago, he fled persecution in Somalia, seeking refuge and safety abroad. From that period of hardship emerged a mission that would grow into one of Africa’s most powerful networks for human rights advocacy — DefendDefenders and its continental coalition, AfricanDefenders.
Under Shire’s visionary leadership, these organizations have become pillars of advocacy, protection, and solidarity, providing essential lifelines to activists working under threat in some of the world’s most repressive environments.
In his acceptance speech, Shire expressed deep gratitude to the partners and communities who have supported the mission since its founding. “We would not have come this far without the strategic partnership of our development partners, who have invested heavily in our work over the past 20 years,” he said. “But beyond the numbers are human faces and stories of resilience that sustain our resolve.”
He also reflected on the broader human rights landscape across Africa, emphasizing that while legal frameworks exist, the reality on the ground often falls short. “While constitutions and treaties are designed to protect defenders, real progress does not occur automatically,” he noted. “Inconsistent practices within countries and across regions continue to undermine the universality of human rights.”
During the ceremony, DefendDefenders also recognized its Board members for their strategic oversight and commitment to ensuring the organization fulfills its mandate. Founding members were honored with certificates for their role in shaping the vision and structure that has allowed the organization to thrive for two decades.
Since its establishment in 2005, DefendDefenders has made a profound impact across Africa. The organization has provided emergency protection grants to over 10,000 human rights defenders, directly supporting more than 9,400 family members. Through its Ubuntu Hub Cities Relocation Program, 657 defenders have found safety and stability, enabling them to continue their advocacy work without fear of persecution.
Beyond immediate protection, DefendDefenders has invested heavily in capacity building, having trained over 10,000 activists and conducted nearly 5,000 digital and physical security sessions. Its research and advocacy have also reached global stages, with 201 high-level initiatives influencing policy and awareness at regional and international levels. The organization’s 67 research reports have become key resources in advancing the understanding and protection of human rights defenders.
The Shield Lifetime Achievement Award stands as both a personal honor for Hassan Shire and a collective recognition of the movement he helped build. It celebrates not only his courage and leadership but also the thousands of men and women across Africa who continue to risk their lives defending justice, equality, and freedom.
As Shire reminded attendees, “Our work is not about statistics — it is about people. Every defender we protect, every voice we amplify, strengthens the foundation of human dignity.” His words encapsulated the spirit of the evening: a powerful reminder that despite ongoing challenges, the fight for human rights in Africa remains steadfast — guided by the courage of those who, like Hassan Shire, refuse to remain silent in the face of oppression.