On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights office in Chad convened a capacity-building workshop in N’Djamena to assess the impact of a three-year initiative supporting local civil society organizations working in human rights. The project, co-funded by the European Union and launched in May 2023, has empowered 13 local groups to strengthen advocacy and protection efforts across the country.
Félix Ahouansou, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Head of the Chad office, and Agnès Kovacs, Head of Governance at the European Union Delegation, both highlighted the critical role of civil society in safeguarding fundamental freedoms amid growing challenges. Ahouansou commended the EU’s sustained commitment, noting the project’s timeline—spanning from its May 17, 2023 launch to its conclusion in June 2026—aimed at bolstering legal and institutional support for rights defenders.
The initiative has encountered obstacles common to the region: shrinking civic space, institutional hurdles, and security threats. Despite these, it has made tangible progress. Ahouansou reported that 13 organizations received grants, with 58 gender-based violence survivors and human rights victims receiving legal aid—25 through the Barreau du Tchad—while 61 individuals, including nine men, accessed material, psychosocial, and medical assistance via partner networks.
Agnès Kovacs emphasized the workshop’s role in evaluating project outcomes and direct beneficiary impact. She praised the UN Human Rights office and grantee organizations for their dedication. The gathering brought together civil society representatives, technical partners, and beneficiaries to review achievements, exchange best practices, and outline future strategies.
