Supporting and Safeguarding Sudanese Human Rights Defenders

Our History

The Sudan Human Rights Defenders Coalition (SudanDefenders) was established in June 2022 as a network of 28 Sudanese human rights groups and individuals committed to protecting defenders and promoting accountability. It emerged from a need to confront widespread repression and support activists facing violations. Over time, the coalition expanded its activities, including advocacy, research, and legal support. Due to the 2023 Sudan conflict, it relocated operations to Kampala, Uganda, where it opened a coordination office in 2024. Today, SudanDefenders continues to grow, strengthening its leadership, partnerships, and regional impact in defending human rights.

Our Leadership Team

Our leadership team met the first time uniting SudanDefenders staff with appointed board members and marking an important milestone in our organizational journey. As a foundational session, it provided space for meaningful introductions, thoughtful reflection on our shared mission, and alignment on priorities. The meeting was filled with insightful discussion, strategic planning, and collaborative vision-building, reinforcing the values that guide our work. It fostered a renewed sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility, ensuring that both staff and board members are united in advancing our goals. This spirit of cooperation and clarity will serve as a strong compass to guide our advocacy, programs, and organizational growth in the coming year.

Our New Board Members

SudanDefenders proudly welcomed the new members of our Board of Directors in January 2025. Each individual brings a unique wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to our mission. Their leadership, vision, and strategic guidance will be invaluable as we continue to grow, strengthen our impact, and advance meaningful change for the communities we serve. Together, we look forward to building a stronger organization dedicated to justice, resilience, and lasting humanitarian progress.

Our Work

Defending Sudanese Human Rights Defenders is more than a slogan, it is a vital mission rooted in justice, dignity, and resilience. At a time when activists face intimidation, violence, and systemic repression, standing with them means safeguarding the voices that speak truth to power and advocate for the most vulnerable. This commitment involves amplifying their stories, protecting their rights, and ensuring that their courageous efforts to demand freedom and accountability are recognized, supported, and sustained both locally and globally.

Protection

Our Protection program provides rapid aid, vital resources, and ongoing support to at‑risk human rights defenders, ensuring safety, resilience, and advocacy worldwide in dangerous environments.

Capacity Building

Capacity Building enhances resilience and effectiveness of local activists and organizations through targeted training, including digital security, legal defense, and specialized skills for sustained advocacy.

Advocacy & Monitoring

This tracks human rights violations, publishes evidence‑based reports, and leverages findings to campaign for justice, policy reform, and engagement with national governments and international institutions.