Duazon Margibi County 05/10/24 _ Mr. Andrew Y. Y. Zelemen, Head of Secretariat/National Facilitator and Program Manager of the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs), is set to depart for Cape Town, South Africa this weekend to participate in the prestigious Inaugural Summer School for Human Rights Defenders 2024. The event, organized by the African Universities Hub for Human Rights (AUH) and the Politics and Urban Governance research group, will take place from October 7 to 11 at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Mr. Zelemen shared his journey to selection, recounting how he discovered the opportunity through a call for applications posted on social media in June 2024. “Upon seeing the call for applications, I knew I had to apply,” he said. The announcement invited passionate individuals dedicated to defending human rights and democracy in Africa to join the Summer School. After submitting his application, Mr. Zelemen received an invitation on August 23, 2024, confirming his successful selection: “Congratulations! You’re invited to the Inaugural Summer School for Human Rights Defenders 2024.”
The Summer School aims to unite civic activists and academics committed to advancing human rights and democracy across the continent. This year’s theme, “Recentring Human Rights Protection and Expanding Democratic Space: Innovation and Sustainability, Beyond the Present,” reflects the urgent need for innovative approaches to safeguarding these critical issues. Participants will engage in interdisciplinary discussions focused on leadership development, the role of universities in protecting human rights defenders, and providing psycho-social support for those in this field.
The AUH initiative, launched in 2023, stems from collaborative research conducted by the Politics and Urban Governance Research Group at UWC and the UNESCO Chair in the Protection of Human Rights Defenders at the University of York. The initiative seeks to empower African universities to play a vital role in both protecting civil society activists and fostering democratic freedoms.
In expressing his gratitude, Mr. Zelemen emphasized the significance of this opportunity. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the African Universities Hub for Human Rights project and the Politics and Urban Governance research group for this incredible opportunity. This invitation not only recognizes my work but also allows me to engage with esteemed scholars and practitioners in human rights and urban governance,” he stated. He added that he is eager to share ideas, gain new insights, and collaborate with fellow participants who are equally passionate about these critical issues.
As Mr. Zelemen prepares for this enriching experience, his participation underscores the importance of solidarity among human rights defenders and the ongoing efforts to enhance democratic space across Africa.
