Chad human rights progress after three years of eu-un support

On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Chad hosted a pivotal review session in N’Djamena to assess the outcomes of a landmark initiative aimed at empowering local human rights defenders. The project, titled « Strengthening Civil Society Organizations for Human Rights in Chad », was launched in May 2023 with funding from the European Union and has since equipped 13 local organizations with critical resources to advance human rights protection across the country.

Key achievements highlighted during the evaluation

At the event, Félix Ahouansou, the UN Human Rights Representative and Head of the Chad Country Office, and Agnès Kovacs, Governance Section Head at the European Union Delegation, commended the dedication of civil society actors who have navigated a challenging environment to promote fundamental freedoms.

Ahouansou praised the European Union for its unwavering commitment to human rights in Chad, noting that the project—scheduled to conclude in June 2026—focuses on bolstering civil society organizations and human rights defenders, who play a vital role in fostering a rights-respecting state.

He also underscored persistent obstacles, including bureaucratic hurdles, shrinking civic space, and security threats, stressing the need for sustained and tailored support to sustain progress.

Tangible impact on vulnerable groups

The initiative has delivered measurable results, including direct assistance to victims of gender-based violence and human rights abuses. A total of 58 individuals—mostly women—received legal, judicial, and medical aid, with 25 cases supported through the Bar Association of Chad. Additionally, 61 people, including nine men, were provided with material, psychological, and healthcare support via partner organizations.

Kovacs emphasized the significance of the review workshop, which served as a platform to evaluate project execution and assess its real-world impact on beneficiaries. She also expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office and the grantee organizations for their collaborative efforts.

Collaborative reflections and future roadmap

The gathering brought together dozens of participants, including civil society representatives, technical partners, and direct beneficiaries. Discussions centered on reviewing progress, sharing best practices, and charting a course for continued collaboration to address emerging challenges in human rights advocacy.