Chad human rights progress highlighted in three-year civil society review

On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Chad hosted an evaluation workshop in N’Djamena to assess the outcomes of a three-year initiative supporting civil society organizations in human rights advocacy and protection. The project, titled “Supporting Civil Society in Promoting Human Rights and Defenders in Chad”, was launched in May 2023 with funding from the European Union and benefited 13 local organizations.

Key achievements and ongoing challenges

Félix Ahouansou, the UN Human Rights Representative and Head of the Chad Office, alongside Agnès Kovacs, Head of Governance at the European Union Delegation, commended the dedication of civil society actors while emphasizing the need to further strengthen their capacities amid persistent obstacles in human rights defense.

Ahouansou acknowledged the European Union’s unwavering support for human rights initiatives in Chad, noting that the project, initially set to conclude in June 2026, plays a pivotal role in empowering civil society and human rights defenders as cornerstones of a rights-respecting state.

He also highlighted systemic barriers faced by these organizations, including bureaucratic hurdles, shrinking civic space, and security threats, stressing the importance of sustained and tailored assistance to overcome these challenges.

Impact and tangible results

The project’s milestones include direct financial support to 13 human rights organizations across Chad. Additionally, 58 survivors of gender-based violence and human rights abuses received legal and judicial assistance, with 25 cases handled in collaboration with the Chadian Bar Association. Beyond legal aid, 61 individuals—including nine men—benefited from material, psychosocial, and medical support through partner organizations.

Agnès Kovacs underscored the significance of the workshop as a platform to review project implementation and assess its real-world impact on beneficiaries. She expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office and the grant-receiving organizations for their contributions.

Collaborative reflections and future steps

The event brought together dozens of participants, including civil society representatives, technical partners, and direct beneficiaries. Discussions centered on evaluating progress, sharing best practices, and identifying actionable recommendations to enhance future efforts in human rights advocacy and protection.