HRRG Rebrands International Flagship Awards Programme as HRRG Global RightsShield Awards
Human Rights Reporters
4 min read
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has officially announced the rebranding of its flagship international awards programme, unveiling the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards as the new identity for the initiative formerly known as the HRRG Global RightsCon Awards.
The organisation said the rebranding takes immediate effect and represents a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the awards programme, reinforcing its independent global identity while positioning it for long-term international growth, strategic partnerships, and greater global recognition.
According to HRRG, the new identity reflects the organisation’s enduring commitment to recognising exceptional individuals and institutions whose leadership, innovation, integrity, and service continue to advance human rights, democratic governance, justice, peace, digital inclusion, sustainable development, and global cooperation.
The organisation explained that the name “RightsShield” embodies its mission to protect and promote human rights, democratic values, civic freedoms, accountable governance, the rule of law, and human dignity.
HRRG emphasised that the awards programme remains an independent initiative conceived, founded, owned, organised, and administered solely by the organisation.
It noted that the programme would continue to operate under its established governance and selection processes, guided by the principles of integrity, transparency, professionalism, impartiality, credibility, and excellence.
The organisation further clarified that the rebranding does not affect the status, validity, or recognition of honours presented during the inaugural edition of the awards. All recipients honoured under the previous name will continue to be recognised as inaugural awardees, and their achievements remain an integral part of the programme’s growing legacy.
The inaugural edition recognised distinguished heads of state, diplomats, public officials, civil society organisations, institutions, human rights defenders, journalists, academics, innovators, and other changemakers whose contributions have strengthened democratic governance, advanced diplomacy, promoted digital rights, encouraged innovation, and supported sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Speaking on the rebranding, the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, described the new identity as an important milestone in the organisation’s long-term vision of building one of the world’s most respected platforms for recognising excellence in leadership and service.
“The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards represent far more than a change of name. They reflect our commitment to building a credible, independent, and internationally respected platform that celebrates individuals and institutions whose leadership, integrity, innovation, and service continue to advance human rights, democracy, justice, peace, and sustainable development.
“We believe those who dedicate their lives to promoting human dignity and improving society deserve meaningful global recognition. Through the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, we will continue to celebrate visionary leaders and changemakers whose work inspires hope, strengthens democratic institutions, and transforms lives across Africa and the world,” he said.
Dr. Wemakor noted that HRRG also intends to deepen collaboration with governments, multilateral organisations, diplomatic missions, development partners, academic institutions, civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations, media organisations, and private sector institutions committed to advancing human rights, democratic governance, justice, innovation, peace, and sustainable development.
He said such partnerships would further strengthen the international reach and impact of the awards while preserving HRRG as the programme’s founder and sole organiser.
Looking ahead, HRRG said it envisions the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards evolving into one of the world’s leading honours platforms for recognising excellence in governance, diplomacy, public service, journalism, academia, civil society leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and sustainable development.
The organisation expressed appreciation to all inaugural honourees, supporters, partners, media organisations, and stakeholders whose confidence and encouragement have contributed to the successful establishment of the awards programme and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, independence, fairness, transparency, and credibility.
About Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is a dynamic, leading Ghanaian human rights and media-focused civil society organisation committed to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation, and sustainable development in Ghana, across Africa, and globally.
Through advocacy, investigative journalism, research, capacity building, access to justice, and strategic partnerships, the organisation empowers vulnerable communities while promoting accountability, inclusive governance, and respect for fundamental human rights.
HRRG has received national and international recognition for its work, including the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability for its nationwide KTT Project, which reached more than 60,000 beneficiaries.
The organisation has also received the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), was named a finalist in the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards (2023), and was listed among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers in 2024.
In addition, HRRG has been recognised by the World Bank for its expert contributions to the Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI) Report and featured in Business Woman Club International Magazine of Ukraine for its advocacy on women’s rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HRRG also convenes and supports more than 500 civil society organisations through the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has represented Ghana at major regional and international forums, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference, and the International Seminar on Enhancing Human Rights Activities in North Korea.
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By HRRG News Desk
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