The enforcement of restrictive measures and related directives to curb the spread of COVID-19 has reshaped how human rights defenders carry out their missions. Beyond the daily challenges they face, the way several African governments managed the pandemic further tightened the already fragile civic and democratic space in the region. During such difficult times, safeguarding access to advocacy and professional activities for human rights defenders remains a critical priority.

This study examines how COVID-19 restrictions impacted the rights and freedoms of human rights defenders in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Sierra Leone. It highlights the innovative strategies civil society organisations adopted to continue their work despite coercive measures, while also acknowledging positive state and stakeholder efforts that facilitated their operations. Additionally, the report offers actionable recommendations to strengthen protections for human rights defenders and preserve civic space during crises.

The findings serve as a robust advocacy tool for national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms, aiming to curb the misuse of coercive measures during crises and ensure the continuous protection of human rights defenders at all times.