Joseph Wemakor: Championing human rights at Uganda’s Civic freedoms conference

Ghanaian journalist and human rights advocate Joseph Kobla Wemakor recently made waves at a vital regional conference held in Kampala, Uganda.

The event, which took place from August 5-6, 2024, centered on the intricate balance between counter-terrorism efforts and the preservation of civic freedoms, drawing attention to the pressing need for safeguarding human rights in the face of growing repression.

As the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs (Youth Sub-platform) and the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Wemakor is celebrated for his relentless dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging injustices across Africa. His influential role at the conference underscored his status as a key advocate for human rights, particularly in discussions aimed at upholding democratic values in an increasingly restrictive environment.

Organized by the Defenders Protection Initiative and Civic Advisory Hub, the conference was aptly themed “TOGETHER – Countering Financing of Terrorism While Safeguarding Civic Space.”

It brought together non-profit organizations and key stakeholders to devise strategies that address the complex challenges of financial crimes while ensuring the protection of civil liberties.

Wemakor’s participation followed his impactful engagement at the Pan Africa Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he contributed to critical dialogues after being invited by Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in counter-terrorism.

During the Kampala conference, Wemakor passionately asserted that counter-terrorism measures must not infringe upon civic freedoms. His insights resonated powerfully, especially as many African nations continue to grapple with laws that restrict civil society and freedom of expression under the pretext of national security.

Advocating for collaboration among non-profit organizations, Wemakor emphasized the necessity of building resilience against emerging threats to civic spaces. He called for an inclusive governance approach that staunchly defends human rights while addressing security concerns.

As discussions unfolded in Kampala, stakeholders expressed optimism that the insights shared by influential figures like Wemakor would lead to actionable solutions for the challenges facing civil society across Africa.

The HRRG’s Executive Director presence not only enriched the dialogue but also served as a beacon of hope for those dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights and democratic values on the continent.

Source:Ghana24.org

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