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Third annual Symposium on activist repression

- Lee-Anne Gaertner

Twelve organisations are partnering on this year's Activist Symposium bringing together human rights defenders to discuss strategies to resist repression

Next week, civil society organisations host the third annual Activist Symposium under the theme “Navigating activism in an anti-human rights era”. From 16 – 17 September, this event brings together representatives from across Africa to deliberate on challenges affecting human rights defenders on the continent. 

From meritless lawsuits, unlawful arrest and detention through to harassment, death threats and physical violence – activists around the world face repressive tactics while trying to raise awareness about human rights violations. Since 2023, the Activist Symposium has provided a critical platform for human rights defenders, academics and advocates from the African region to highlight pressing issues facing activists and present strategies for countering repression. 

This has led to the establishment of a transnational activist network, where human rights defenders can share best practices and action plans for addressing common challenges. Recently, activists have also identified new challenges, including the prevalence of misinformation and the harmful effects of austerity policies on human rights. These issues underscore the need for continued dialogue and collective action. 

This year’s Activist Symposium takes place on 16 and 17 September at Wits University under the theme “Navigating activism in an anti-human rights era”. The Symposium also includes four sub-themes to address issues raised by activists: 

  • Anti-democracy: Using case studies, the discussions will focus on understanding repressive tactics and developing effective strategies for resistance. 
  • Misinformation: Participants will engage on how to counter misinformation and use digital tools for advocacy. 
  • Austerity and aid: This session will centre on analysing the intersection of economic policy and human rights. 
  • South-to-South solidarity: Discussions will highlight the struggles shared by activists across borders and the critical role of collective action. 

“This Symposium builds on the foundations laid in the last two years,” says Sithuthukile Mkhize, head of Civil and Political Justice at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. “We aim to create an inclusive and dynamic space for dialogue, where activists can come together to engage in meaningful dialogue not only about the challenges they face but the strategies for overcoming them.” 

“This Symposium takes place at a time when activists are facing increased repression globally,” says Omhle Ntshingila, Project Co-ordinator at the Right2Protest Project. “Through this event, we will hear from human rights defenders about their needs and continue to build key partnerships and networks to offer solidarity and support in promoting the rights to protest and expression across the continent.”

Event: Activist Symposium

Date: 16 – 17 September 2025 

Venue: Wits University 

The organisers of this year’s Activist Symposium include: 

  • African Defenders 
  • African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders
  • Amnesty International South Africa
  • Centre for Applied Legal Studies 
  • Centre for Environmental Rights
  • Centre for Human Rights
  • Civicus Alliance
  • Digital Society Africa
  • Lawyers for Human Rights
  • Media Monitoring Africa
  • Right2Protest Project
  • Southern Africa Resource Watch

For inquiries, please contact:

From the Centre for Applied Legal Studies: 

From the Right2Protest Project: 

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