Celebrating Ten Years of Empowering Human Rights Defenders
A Decade of Capacity Building and Advancing Human Rights Work in the MENA Region
New Tactics in Human Rights celebrated a significant milestone with the organization of its tenth Regional Training for Trainers, held from December 2024, in Amman, Jordan. This landmark event brought together 21 participants representing 20 organizations from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reflecting the program’s ongoing commitment to empowering human rights defenders and fostering regional collaboration.
A Personal Reflection on the Training Experience
As a trainer who has participated in the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and most recently the tenth regional training, this experience held profound personal significance for me. With the ongoing crises in Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon casting a heavy shadow over the region, I approached the training with apprehension, fearing their impact on participants’ engagement and passion for human rights advocacy. However, those fears quickly dissipated as the participants demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience.
Turning Doubt Into Empowerment: The Power of Advocacy
At the start of the training, a sense of doubt lingered – a quiet uncertainty about the possibility of creating tangible change amidst adversity. Yet, as the journey unfolded, that doubt gradually gave way to a renewed sense of empowerment and collective strength. The participants’ dedication, passion, and belief in the power of advocacy reaffirmed that even in the darkest times, human rights defenders continue to be a driving force for positive change. This journey of self-discovery and shared learning stands as a testament to the courage and determination of those fighting for justice in the region.
A Decade of Strengthening Civil Society in the MENA Region
Over the past decade, the Regional Training for Trainers has become a cornerstone of New Tactics in Human Rights’ efforts to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations in the MENA region. The program provides a safe and inclusive space for activists from diverse backgrounds to exchange experiences, build skills, and design effective advocacy campaigns using the Five Steps Methodology. This participatory approach empowers participants to strategically address human rights challenges in their communities, fostering collective action and sustainable impact.
Expanding Reach: A Decade of Regional Trainings
Since its inception, the program has delivered ten regional trainings, reaching more than 200 human rights defenders from 18 countries. These trainings have played a pivotal role in enhancing participants’ ability to organize, plan, and implement advocacy campaigns that tackle a wide range of huma rights issues, including women’s rights, freedom of expression, refugee rights, and environmental justice. The program’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity has been central to its success, ensuring that voices from marginalized communities are represented and heard.
Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of Crises on Participation
Despite the political and humanitarian challenges that have affected the region, New Tactics in Human Rights has consistently prioritized equitable access to training opportunities. In recent years, the program facilitated the participation of Syrian activists living in exile to ensure the continued representation of Syrian voices. However, ongoing crises in Gaza and Sudan prevented some participants from attending this year’s training, underscoring the difficult realities faced by many human rights defenders. The program’s ongoing efforts to maintain connections with past participants highlight its unwavering commitment to supporting activists in the face of adversity.
Beyond Training: Mentorship, Grants, and Continued Support
The impact of the program extends far beyond the training sessions and content reaching into its comprehensive follow-up mechanisms. By offering personalized guidance, ongoing mentorship, and grants for promising campaigns, the program ensures that participants are equipped to translate their ideas into tangible action. This holistic support system fosters the creation of a regional network of human rights defenders working together to advance justice, equality, and human dignity. Through a series of video testimonials, previous participants shared how the program’s methodology helped them organize effective campaigns and amplify their voices.
Participant Testimonials: Real Impact, Real Change
The tenth Regional Training participant Marwa from Algeria stated: “The Five Steps Methodology helped me organize advocacy campaigns more effectively,” while Khalil from Palestine emphasized how the training restored his hope, saying: “Despite the challenges in our region, this training helped me regain hope that collective action can make a real difference.”
A Legacy of Collective Action and Solidarity
As New Tactics in Human Rights marks this tenth anniversary, the program’s legacy continues to inspire collective action and solidarity across the MENA region. By investing in the capacity of human rights defenders, the program reaffirms its unwavering belief in the power of collaborative advocacy to create lasting change.
