<p><strong>Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a distinguished Ghanaian journalist and prominent human rights advocate, recently played a pivotal role at a regional conference in Kampala, Uganda.</strong></p>
<p>The event focused on navigating the delicate balance between counter-terrorism measures and the essential preservation of civic freedoms.</p>
<p>Wemakor, who serves as the Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on SDGs (Youth Sub-platform) and is the Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and confronting injustices within African societies.</p>
<p>His work has positioned him as a key advocate for human rights, making him an essential participant in discussions aimed at upholding democratic values amid rising repression.</p>
<p>Held on August 5-6, 2024, the conference was organized by the Defenders Protection Initiative and Civic Advisory Hub, under the theme “TOGETHER &#8211; Countering Financing of Terrorism While Safeguarding Civic Space.”</p>
<p>The event brought together Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and key stakeholders to develop strategies addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by financial crimes while ensuring the protection of civil liberties.</p>
<p>Wemakor&#8217;s participation in this conference followed his involvement in the Pan Africa Human Rights and Social Justice Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, where he engaged in significant dialogues after being invited by Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in counter-terrorism.</p>
<p>At the Kampala conference, Wemakor emphasized the critical point that counter-terrorism efforts should not come at the expense of civic freedoms. His insights were particularly relevant as many African nations grapple with laws and policies that increasingly restrict civil society and freedom of expression under the guise of national security.</p>
<p>Wemakor advocates for collaboration among NPOs to build resilience against emerging threats to civic spaces.</p>
<p>He stresses the importance of an inclusive approach to governance that rigorously defends human rights while addressing security concerns.</p>
<p>As discussions progressed in Kampala, stakeholders expressed hope that insights from sessions led by influential figures like Wemakor would inspire actionable solutions to the challenges faced by civil society in Africa today.</p>
<p>His participation not only brought a wealth of knowledge but also served as a beacon of hope for many striving to protect and promote human rights and democratic principles across the continent.</p>
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<p>Source: Joseph Elikplim Adjei</p>