Page 14 - OSISA Annual Report 2015-2018

Episcopal Conference to reflect on the causes, nature, extent and impact of the political and electoral crisis. The consultations also aimed to explore options and opportunities for support and interventions to reduce the impact of the crisis on the country’s constitutional order, democracy, and human security.
Our grantees played key roles in various capacities to help the country resolve its ongoing crisis. Our human rights partners documented violations, whilst the religious leaders provided crucial mediation support through the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), culminating in the political agreement reached in December 2016. Electoral observation and assistance organisations are promoting much needed electoral reforms and as part of a wider network preparing to monitor elections when they are convened. With our support, women and youth groups have been promoting participation in the electoral process and providing voter education.
Response to upsurge of human rights
violations in the region
We implemented several measures, including the development and roll-out of a regional strategy for human rights defenders. As part of this strategy, we supported the first regional training of human rights defenders (HRDs) from the region. We also conducted a comprehensive assessment of the human rights situation and developed strategies for Mozambique and Angola. These strategies were crucial given the outbreak of violence in Mozambique.
In Angola, we responded to the upsurge of attacks against youth groups–demonstrated by the arrest and prosecution of 17 youth activists–by providing crucial legal and moral support to the activists. Through a joint effort between the Human Rights Cluster and the Angola office, we developed a strategy to respond to the upsurge of human rights violations in the country.
17 Angolan activists on trial accused of rebellion against the state
© Paulo Juliao/EPA
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OPEN SOCIETY INITIATIVE FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA – 2016 REPORT