Tchad human rights progress three-year civil society support review

On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights Office country office in N’Djamena hosted a pivotal evaluation workshop for the three-year project titled Support for Civil Society Organizations Promoting Human Rights and Human Rights Defenders in Chad. Launched in May 2023 with funding from the European Union, the initiative empowered 13 local organizations to intensify their efforts in advancing and safeguarding human rights across the nation.

Key achievements and ongoing challenges

During the session, Félix Ahouansou, the UN Human Rights Representative and Country Office Head, and Agnès Kovacs, Head of the European Union Delegation’s Governance Section, commended the dedication of all stakeholders involved. They emphasized the critical need to bolster the capabilities of civil society organizations amid a backdrop of persistent obstacles to human rights defense.

Ahouansou highlighted the UN Human Rights Office’s deep appreciation for the European Union’s unwavering commitment to human rights initiatives in Chad. He noted that the project, which began on May 17, 2023, and is slated to conclude on June 30, 2026, is designed to provide sustained support to civil society organizations and human rights defenders. These actors play a vital role in fostering a rule-of-law state that upholds fundamental freedoms.

The speakers also addressed the enduring challenges faced by these organizations, including bureaucratic hurdles, shrinking civic space, and security threats. They stressed the importance of tailored, long-term assistance to navigate these complexities effectively.

Impact and outcomes of the initiative

The project’s tangible results included financial grants awarded to 13 human rights-focused organizations spanning the country. Additionally, 58 victims of gender-based violence and human rights abuses received critical legal and judicial support, with 25 cases handled in collaboration with the Chad Bar Association. Furthermore, 61 individuals—including nine men—benefited from material, psychosocial, and medical assistance through a partner organization.

Agnès Kovacs underscored the significance of the closing workshop as a platform to assess project execution and its direct impact on beneficiaries. She expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office country team and the grantee organizations for their contributions.

The event brought together dozens of participants, including civil society representatives, technical partners, and direct beneficiaries. Discussions centered on reviewing progress, sharing successful strategies, and charting a roadmap for future actions to strengthen human rights advocacy in Chad.