On May 28, the United Nations Human Rights Office in Chad hosted an evaluation workshop in N’Djamena to assess the outcomes of the three-year project titled Support for Civil Society Organizations Advocating for Human Rights and Human Rights Defenders in Chad. Funded by the European Union and launched in May 2023, the initiative empowered 13 local organizations to enhance their efforts in promoting and safeguarding human rights across the country.
Key achievements and ongoing challenges
Félix Ahouansou, the UN Human Rights Representative and Head of the Chad Office, and Agnès Kovacs, Head of Governance at the European Union Delegation, highlighted the critical role of civil society in strengthening human rights amid growing obstacles. Ahouansou commended the European Union for its unwavering support, emphasizing the project’s long-term vision—from its launch on May 17, 2023, to its planned conclusion on June 30, 2026.
The project’s primary goal is to bolster civil society organizations and human rights defenders, who play a pivotal role in fostering a state governed by rule of law and fundamental freedoms. However, Ahouansou acknowledged persistent hurdles, including institutional barriers, shrinking civic space, and security threats, stressing the need for sustained and adaptive assistance to overcome these challenges.
Tangible results and impact
Under the project, 13 organizations received grants to advance human rights initiatives nationwide. The initiative also provided critical support to victims of gender-based violence and human rights abuses, with 58 individuals receiving legal and judicial assistance—25 of them through the Chad Bar Association. Additionally, 61 beneficiaries, including nine men, received material, psychosocial, and medical aid through partner organizations.
Kovacs underscored the significance of the evaluation workshop, which served as a platform to review project execution and measure its direct impact on beneficiaries. She expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office’s Chad team and the grantee organizations for their dedication and collaboration.
Collaborative reflections and future roadmap
The workshop brought together dozens of participants, including civil society representatives, technical partners, and direct beneficiaries. Discussions centered on assessing progress, sharing best practices, and identifying actionable recommendations to guide future efforts in human rights advocacy and protection.