English PDF - East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders ...

54Journalists on the Frontline of Human Rights DefenceMr. Sheikh furthermore expressed gratitude for the contribution of each one of the participants,resource persons and members of the coordination team, making this conference a success, andvowed to continue working to achieve the respect of rights of human rights defenders and theirbetter protection.4 EvaluationParticipants and resource persons completed an evaluation form on the final day of the conferenceassessing the content, facilitation and coordination of the conference. With regard to content, themajority of participants commended the relevance of the topics addressed but repeatedly stressedthe lack of time for detailed discussions and practical application in working groups. Severalparticipants emphasised the need for an extended training on risk assessment and securitymeasures as a follow up to this conference. The facilitation by the resource persons was generallyranked positively. The coordination of the conference was highly commended by all participants,stressing the competence and friendliness of the coordination team. General comments relatedonce again to the lack of time and a need for follow up activities. Recommendations were madeto replicate similar activities within each country or among a smaller group of countries allowingfor more time and specially tailored training according the prevailing situation in the countries.In relation to the objectives of the conference, a positive conclusion can be drawn. Participantswere sensitised on the concept of human rights defenders, their rights and how to handlechallenges that are often attached to their courageous work. Sessions on exisiting protectionmechanism on international and regional level, together with skills impaired on securitymanagement,campaigning and journalistic conduct, provided participants with a widerunderstanding of the interlinkage of security, professionalism and efficiency of their work. Themutual benefit of closer cooperation between journalists and other human rights defenders inadvancing the respect for universal human rights was recognised. Enhanced networking,information sharing and capacity building were identified as key measures for better results andincreased protection among human rights defenders themselves. Initiatives like the East and Hornof Africa Human Rights Defenders Network were hailed for their efforts along these lines.5 ConclusionWith regard to the objectives, the conference can be considered successful in bringing togetherjournalists and other HRDs, making the journalists aware of their capacities and potential formutual support and benefit, and facilitating future cooperation for a common cause of universalrespect of human rights.The participants issued a powerful resolution (see Annex) condemning the persistentinfringement on media freedom by Governments of the sub-region and the persecution ofjournalists and human rights defenders on grounds of their work. Strong requests were made forthe reforms of laws that curtail freedom of expression; the more active involvement and advocacy