Since its first engagement with National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in Africa, RWI has continuously expanded and deepened its partnerships across the continent. Africa was the first region where RWI began supporting the establishment and strengthening of NHRIs, marking the start of our long-standing commitment to empowering these crucial actors in the promotion and protection of human rights. Throughout this journey, the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) has been a key partner, contributing significantly to the development and impact of our initiatives in the region.
Click on the countries below to learn more about RWI’s cooperation with NHRIs in Africa.
The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI)
RWI has worked closely with NANHRI since the establishment of its Secretariat in 2007, building one of our most longstanding partnerships in Africa. As a regional coordinating body, NANHRI brings together 47 NHRIs across the continent to strengthen their capacity to promote and protect human rights through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technical support. Early cooperation included the Expert Accreditation Programme for NHRI trainers, aiming to develop a pool of qualified human rights educators within institutions. Today, under our Regional Africa Programme, we continue to support NANHRI’s work in enhancing NHRIs’ ability to monitor and follow up on human rights decisions—especially in relation to women’s rights.
You can find more information about our cooperation with NANHRI by clicking here.
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
RWI has engaged with EHRC since its establishment, first exploring collaboration in the early 2000s. In 2006, RWI facilitated regional training on human rights standards and challenges for African NHRIs and hosted a workshop on women's rights in Eastern Africa; EHRC participated in both. Currently, RWI is supporting EHRC through blended learning courses on detention monitoring for staff and civil society. Additionally, a human rights course for youth and organisations is being developed, and a resource centre is being established to enhance access to human rights materials. These initiatives aim to strengthen EHRC’s capacity and advocacy efforts in Ethiopia.
You can find more information about our cooperation with EHRC by clicking here.
Ghana Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
RWI collaborated with CHRAJ through regional training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of African NHRIs. In 2004 and 2006, CHRAJ participated in RWI training sessions that focused on applying human rights standards in practice, monitoring mechanisms, and addressing regional challenges. These programmes fostered cooperation among NHRIs from across Africa, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion on best practices.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
RWI has collaborated with KNCHR since 2003 to strengthen its institutional capacity and support its human rights mandate. This partnership included regional training for African NHRIs, practical workshops on international human rights law, and operational training for commissioners and staff. Key initiatives included developing prison-monitoring manuals, strengthening police accountability, and applying a rights-based approach to development. From 2008 to 2010, RWI contributed to regional capacity-building efforts through tailored training courses. In 2010, KNCHR partnered with RWI to enhance human rights education within the Kenyan Prisons Service, improving in-house training, policy analysis, and rights-based correctional practices.
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC)
RWI has supported MHRC in strengthening its institutional capacity and human rights mandate since 2002. Early cooperation focused on assessments, strategic planning, and training needs for investigations, legal services, and research. From 2005 to 2007, RWI contributed to an institutional development project by advising on management, supporting regional offices, and providing high-level staff training. Additionally, RWI provided literature support and helped develop a human rights database. In 2006, MHRC also participated in a regional training programme on human rights standards for African NHRIs.
Although Mozambique does not yet have an accredited NHRI, RWI contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening the human rights framework in the country. In 2005, RWI collaborated with the Swedish Embassy and UNDP on a three-year project focused on human rights training for civil society and supporting the establishment of an NHRI. Additionally, in 2006, representatives from Mozambique participated in a regional training programme for African NHRIs, which provided in-depth human rights education and facilitated discussions on regional challenges.
Office of the Ombudsman, Namibia
RWI collaborated with the Ombudsman through regional training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of African NHRIs. In 2004 and 2006, the Ombudsman’s representatives participated in RWI training sessions focused on applying human rights standards in practice, monitoring mechanisms, and addressing regional challenges. These programmes provided a platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange among NHRIs across Africa.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigeria
RWI collaborated with NHRC through regional training programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of African NHRIs. In 2004 and 2006, NHRC representatives participated in sessions that focused on translating human rights principles into practice, monitoring mechanisms, and addressing regional challenges. These programmes facilitated knowledge exchange among NHRIs across Africa, enabling NHRC to strengthen its institutional capacity and contribute to discussions on best practices.
National Commission for Human Rights of the Republic of Rwanda (NCHR)
RWI engaged with NCHR through regional training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of African NHRIs. In 2004, NCHR participated in a training programme facilitated by RWI and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. This programme provided practical knowledge on how to translate human rights principles into practice, as well as insights into international human rights standards and monitoring mechanisms. The initiative fostered collaboration among African NHRIs, allowing NCHR to exchange experiences and best practices with other institutions.
South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
RWI collaborated with SAHRC to enhance its operational capacity and regional engagement. In 2004, SAHRC participated in RWI’s training on NHRI management, covering project management, funding, and accountability. Additionally, SAHRC joined regional training programmes in 2004 and 2006, where representatives from African NHRIs explored regional challenges, human rights standards, and monitoring mechanisms. These programmes fostered cooperation and knowledge exchange among institutions, enabling SAHRC to strengthen its role in human rights protection and advocacy.
Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG)
RWI collaborated with CHRAGG to enhance its institutional capacity and regional engagement. CHRAGG participated in regional training programmes in 2004 and 2006, where African NHRIs exchanged experiences on human rights standards, monitoring mechanisms, and regional challenges. In 2006, RWI delivered tailored training in Tanzania on international and regional human rights systems, strengthening CHRAGG’s role in human rights protection. From 2008 to 2010, CHRAGG took part in a regional capacity-building initiative, including specialised training, thematic courses, and advisory support.
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC)
RWI’s engagement with UHRC dates back to 1992, when it supported human rights awareness-raising efforts in Uganda during the country’s post-conflict recovery. Following UHRC’s establishment in 1996, RWI shifted its focus to institutional strengthening, delivering training for commissioners and department heads. This contributed to UHRC’s A-status accreditation in 1998. Over the years, UHRC has participated in regional training programmes, including exchanges on NHRI best practices and human rights monitoring. From 2008 to 2010, UHRC took part in a regional capacity-building initiative, engaging in specialised training, thematic courses, and advisory support to enhance its institutional effectiveness.
Human Rights Commission, Zambia (HRCZ)
RWI’s engagement with HRCZ began in 1999 with a project aimed to develop a national human rights training programme. The initiative included capacity-building for staff and commissioners, as well as training-of-trainers support to enhance the Commission’s outreach. HRCZ later participated in regional NHRI training programmes, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing on human rights standards and institutional challenges. From 2008 to 2010, HRCZ was involved in a regional capacity-building programme that provided specialised training, sub-regional thematic courses, and advisory support, strengthening its institutional effectiveness and engagement with international human rights mechanisms.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC)
Since 2019, RWI has worked closely with ZHRC to strengthen its capacity through targeted training, thematic seminars, and roundtable discussions, fostering collaboration with national and regional stakeholders. The partnership has enhanced ZHRC’s visibility, reporting capabilities, and institutional effectiveness. Notable outcomes include the development of an e-learning course for new staff and commissioners, literature support for the Commission’s documentation centre, and a gender policy developed through collaborative efforts. These initiatives have contributed to ZHRC’s ability to fulfil its mandate more effectively.
You can find more information about our cooperation with EHRC by clicking here.