Why We Chose to Keep the HRRG Global RightsCon 2026 Awards Alive: A Reflection on Recognising Leadership, Courage and Human Rights Defenders


There are moments in the life of every institution when circumstances test not only its plans, but also its commitment to the values it represents.

For Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), the journey towards the HRRG Global RightsCon 2026 Awards has been one such moment.

The awards were originally conceived as a special recognition initiative to be presented during RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia—the world's leading conference on human rights in the digital age. RightsCon has over the years provided a global platform where activists, technology experts, policymakers, journalists, researchers, companies and civil society leaders converge to discuss how technology impacts human rights and democratic freedoms.

When the RightsCon 2026 Summit was subsequently cancelled, we faced an important decision: should the vision behind the awards be abandoned, or should we find another meaningful platform to celebrate the exceptional individuals and institutions whose work continues to advance human dignity?

After careful reflection, the HRRG Board of Directors and Awards Committee chose the latter.

We firmly believed that outstanding leadership deserves recognition regardless of changing circumstances.

That conviction has led us to bring the HRRG Global RightsCon 2026 Awards to Abuja, Nigeria, where the awards will be presented during the 3rd Africa High-Level Civil Society Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Conference, scheduled for July 14–17, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria.

Recognising Those Who Carry the Torch of Human Rights

The theme of this year's awards, "Championing Human Rights and Democratic Renewal," reflects the realities of our time.

Across Africa and the wider world, democratic institutions are facing increasing pressure. Civic spaces are changing, digital platforms are creating new opportunities but also new risks, and human rights defenders continue to work under difficult circumstances to protect fundamental freedoms.

In such an environment, recognising individuals and institutions that demonstrate courage, integrity and commitment to the public good is not merely ceremonial—it is necessary.

The HRRG Global RightsCon Awards seek to celebrate leaders whose contributions have strengthened democratic governance, protected human rights, promoted digital freedoms, expanded civic participation and advanced sustainable development.

The recipients represent diverse fields of leadership, including governance, diplomacy, law, civil society, youth advocacy, digital rights, peacebuilding and community transformation.

HRRG's Commitment to Human Rights Recognition

The decision to organise these awards is deeply connected to HRRG's own journey.

Since its establishment in 2019, Human Rights Reporters Ghana has remained committed to amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities, promoting accountability and using journalism and advocacy as tools for social change.

Our work has been driven by the belief that human rights are not only principles written in international documents—they are lived realities affecting ordinary people every day.

Through our advocacy campaigns, investigative journalism, research, public education and strategic partnerships, HRRG has worked on critical issues including child protection, civic space, women's rights, climate justice, access to justice and sustainable development.

Over the years, this work has received national and international recognition.

Among these recognitions is the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability for HRRG's nationwide KTT Project, which has reached more than 60,000 beneficiaries through public sensitization on issues affecting children, young people and communities.

HRRG has also received the Africa Peace Advocate Award, emerged as a finalist in the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards, received recognition under the Africans Rising Activism Award – Movement of the Year category, and was listed among Ghana's 100 Most Impactful Changemakers (2024).

The organisation has also contributed to global knowledge through its engagement with the World Bank's Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI) Report and continues to participate in regional and international conversations on human rights, democracy and sustainable development.

Today, HRRG also supports a wider civil society movement through the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), connecting with more than 500 civil society organisations working towards sustainable development.

Why Recognition Matters

Some may ask why awards matter in the human rights sector.

The answer is simple: recognition provides visibility, encouragement and inspiration.

Behind every human rights achievement is often a story of sacrifice, persistence and courage. Many individuals and organisations work tirelessly without seeking recognition, yet their contributions shape societies and protect communities.

By celebrating these efforts, we send a message that service, integrity and commitment to humanity matter.

The HRRG Global RightsCon Awards are therefore not only about celebrating yesterday's achievements; they are about inspiring tomorrow's leaders.



A New Chapter in Abuja

As we prepare for the awards presentation in Abuja, we remain grateful to our partners, supporters and stakeholders who continue to believe in the importance of recognising positive leadership.

The Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, will become the meeting point where voices from across Africa and beyond will gather to celebrate those who have chosen the path of service, justice and human dignity.

The journey continues.

The circumstances may change. Platforms may move. Plans may evolve.

But the responsibility to defend human rights, strengthen democracy and celebrate those who advance these values remains constant.

That is the spirit behind the HRRG Global RightsCon 2026 Awards.

Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor
Founder & Executive Director
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)


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