Ankole CSOs Unite to Launch Grass Root Defenders Fund, Promoting Human Rights Advocacy

Summary:

• Iryn Number One, Chairperson of the Grass Root Defenders Fund, outlined the fund’s mission to ensure the safety and empowerment of defenders in their line of duty.

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MBARARA: In a significant development for human rights advocacy in the Ankole region, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has come together to establish the Grass Root Defenders Fund.

This initiative aims to provide crucial support to Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in their professional endeavors.

The campaign kicked off on Friday at Hotel Triangle, where Iryn Number One, Chairperson of the Grass Root Defenders Fund, outlined the fund’s mission to ensure the safety and empowerment of defenders in their line of duty. Highlighting the formidable challenges faced by HRDs, she revealed that despite the collective efforts of over 40 member organizations, the fund has so far raised a modest sum of 150 million shillings.

She emphasized the urgent need for additional funding to adequately support defenders in their critical roles.

Sharon Ndyamusiima, the National Coordinator of the Grass Root Defenders Fund, elaborated that the organization was collaboratively established by 41 CSOs across the Ankole region.

Their primary objective is to secure essential resources to sustain the fund’s operations and extend its impact throughout the region.

Dona Kyomugisha, the Ankole region coordinator for the Grass Root Defenders Fund, recognized the timeliness of the initiative, highlighting the financial constraints often faced by defenders striving to uphold human rights.

The launch event concluded with a call for broader community support and continued advocacy efforts to strengthen the Grass Root Defenders Fund, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding human rights in Ankole and beyond.