SSHRDN Launches Strategic Plan 2025‑2029 to Strengthen Human Rights Protection Across South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan — The South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) has officially unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2025‑2029, a comprehensive five‑year roadmap designed to strengthen the protection, capacity, and advocacy efforts of human rights defenders across the country. The plan comes at a critical juncture as civic space continues to face unprecedented challenges in South Sudan.

The Strategic Plan 2025‑2029 outlines SSHRDN's commitment to three core pillars: Emergency Response & Protection, Capacity Building, and Research & Advocacy. It sets ambitious targets to expand the network's reach, deepen support for at‑risk defenders, and amplify evidence‑based advocacy at national, regional, and international levels.

"This strategic plan is not just a document—it is a declaration of our unwavering commitment to those who put their lives on the line every day to defend the rights of others. Over the next five years, we will work tirelessly to ensure that human rights defenders in South Sudan have the protection, skills, and solidarity they need to carry out their legitimate work safely and effectively."

— SSHRDN Executive Director

Key Priorities for 2025‑2029

1. Strengthening Protection Mechanisms

The plan prioritizes rapid and emergency support for human rights defenders facing imminent threats, including access to legal aid, medical care, and psychosocial services. SSHRDN will also enhance its 24/7 protection helpline and expand safe relocation options for defenders at extreme risk.

2. Expanding Capacity Building Programmes

SSHRDN aims to train over 500 human rights defenders across all ten states by 2029, with specialized workshops on digital security, documentation, risk assessment, and organizational development. The network will also provide material support and toolkits to member organizations.

3. Amplifying Evidence‑Based Advocacy

The strategic plan commits to conducting regular research on the situation of human rights defenders and using those findings to inform advocacy campaigns. SSHRDN will deepen partnerships with regional bodies such as the Pan African Human Rights Defenders Network (PAHRDN) and international allies like DefendDefenders to press for policy change and accountability.

A Growing Coalition

Since its establishment in 2015, SSHRDN has grown into a coalition of over 60 member organizations and individual activists operating in all ten states of South Sudan. The new strategic plan builds on nearly a decade of experience and positions the network for even greater impact in the face of evolving threats.

The launch of the Strategic Plan 2025‑2029 was attended by representatives from member organizations, civil society partners, and international stakeholders. SSHRDN extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the development of this plan and looks forward to collaborative implementation in the years ahead.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact [email protected].

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