HRRG Invites Global Partners to Join 2027 RightsShield Awards Initiative

Human Rights Reporters Ghana invites civil society organizations, institutions, media, foundations, development actors and other stakeholders to collaborate on expanding the reach and impact of the international honours programme.

Accra, Ghana — August 2026: Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has opened opportunities for strategic partnerships, sponsorship and broader collaboration ahead of the 2027 edition of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, as the organization seeks to expand the international reach and impact of its independent honours programme.

The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards were established to recognize exceptional leadership, service and measurable contributions to human rights, democracy, justice, peace, inclusion, sustainable development and human dignity across Africa and beyond.

Following the successful inaugural edition held in Abuja, Nigeria, in July 2026, HRRG is preparing for the 2027 edition with plans to strengthen regional and international participation and engagement.

According to HRRG, the next edition will continue recognizing individuals and institutions whose leadership, courage, innovation and service have created meaningful and lasting impact in their communities, countries and globally.

HRRG Seeks Strategic Collaboration

As part of preparations for the 2027 Awards, HRRG is inviting credible organizations, institutions, civil society networks, professional bodies, media organizations, universities, foundations, development actors, corporate entities and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The organization said the partnership initiative is intended to help strengthen the Awards’ international visibility, regional outreach, stakeholder participation, credibility and overall impact.

Importantly, HRRG emphasized that partnership does not necessarily require financial contribution.

Prospective partners may contribute through their networks, expertise, institutional connections, media platforms, technical knowledge, stakeholder engagement, nominations outreach, regional visibility, resource mobilization, sponsorship or other forms of meaningful support.

Different Opportunities for Partnership

HRRG has identified several potential areas through which organizations and individuals may collaborate with the Awards.

These include Strategic Partnerships, Civil Society Partnerships, Knowledge Partnerships, Institutional Partnerships, Media and Communications Partnerships, Regional and International Outreach Partnerships, and Sponsoring Partnerships.

Strategic partners may provide networks, expertise and high-level stakeholder engagement, while civil society partners may support nominations outreach, advocacy and regional participation.

Universities, research institutions, think tanks and professional bodies may participate as knowledge partners, contributing research, technical expertise and thought leadership.

Media and communications organizations can support responsible publicity, storytelling, interviews and digital visibility, while regional and international outreach partners can help connect the Awards with credible stakeholders within particular countries and regions.

Sponsoring partners may provide financial or in-kind support for specific award categories, events, production, outreach or other agreed programme activities.

Partnership Does Not Mean Financial Support Alone

HRRG said it recognizes that different partners possess different capacities and strengths and therefore intends to structure partnerships according to the specific interests and capabilities of each prospective collaborator.

“Partnership does not necessarily require financial contribution,” HRRG stated. “Networks, expertise, visibility, institutional connections, technical support, introductions, knowledge exchange and regional outreach can be equally valuable to the growth and impact of the Awards.”

The organization said precise responsibilities and expectations will be discussed and mutually agreed upon before any formal partnership is established.

Safeguarding the Independence of the Awards

HRRG has also reaffirmed that the Global RightsShield Awards will remain an independent initiative.

The Awards are conceived, founded, owned, organized and administered by Human Rights Reporters Ghana.

According to the organization, partnership does not confer ownership, control or decision-making authority over the Awards unless expressly provided for under a separate written agreement.

HRRG will retain responsibility for the governance, administration, programme direction, brand and integrity of the Awards.

The organization further stated that nominations, assessments and final selections will be undertaken through an independent and transparent process guided by established governance principles, ethical standards and merit-based evaluation criteria.

Partners may support outreach and recommend or nominate deserving individuals or institutions, but no partner will be guaranteed an award or permitted to influence the independent selection process.

Building a Platform Beyond Awards

HRRG says the Global RightsShield Awards are intended to be more than an annual recognition ceremony.

The organization envisions the initiative as an international platform for recognizing impact, connecting changemakers and amplifying positive contributions to society.

Through stronger regional and international collaboration, HRRG hopes to facilitate greater networking, knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and recognition of individuals and institutions advancing human rights and human dignity.

The 2027 edition is therefore expected to provide opportunities for civil society organizations, academics, journalists, development practitioners, public leaders, innovators, philanthropists and other changemakers to connect around a shared commitment to positive social transformation.

Invitation to Partners and Stakeholders

HRRG is inviting organizations and individuals who share these values to explore opportunities to become part of the 2027 Awards programme.

The organization is particularly interested in engaging partners who can contribute networks, expertise, regional reach, institutional connections, visibility, technical support, resource mobilization, sponsorship or other meaningful forms of collaboration.

HRRG said partnership arrangements will be considered individually based on the prospective partner’s interests, capacity, geographical reach and area of expertise.

The organization welcomes engagement with stakeholders across Africa and internationally as preparations for the 2027 edition continue.

About Human Rights Reporters Ghana

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is a Ghana-based, youth-led human rights and media-focused civil society organization committed to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation, environmental sustainability, media freedom and sustainable development.

Through advocacy, investigative journalism, research, public education, capacity building, policy engagement and strategic partnerships, HRRG works to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized populations while promoting accountability, transparency, inclusion and democratic governance across Ghana, Africa and beyond.

HRRG’s work has received national and international recognition, including the 5th United Nations Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability through its nationwide KTT Project, which reached more than 60,000 beneficiaries; the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023); recognition as a Finalist in the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards (2023); and listing among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers (2024).

HRRG also convenes and supports more than 500 civil society organizations through its leadership of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contact

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor
Executive Director
Email: hrrghana@gmail.com
Website: humanrightsreportersgh.org

HRRG Global RightsShield Awards 2027
Recognizing Impact. Celebrating Leadership. Advancing Human Dignity.

 

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