The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) conveys its profound congratulations to Adv.Olengurumwa for being selected and ranking as the second candidate for the mandate of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, as recommended by the UN Consultative Group to the President of the Human Rights Council during its Sixty-First Session (HRC61).
This exceptional recognition places Adv Olengurumwa among the most qualified global experts identified through a highly competitive, transparent, and rigorous international selection process, which considered 65 eligible candidates from across the world. His ranking as second nominee reflects not only his professional excellence, but also the Consultative Group’s strong confidence in his expertise, independence, integrity, and vision for advancing the protection of human rights defenders globally.
Adv. Olengurumwa’s nomination stands as a powerful acknowledgment of his long-standing leadership and pioneering role in the human rights movement in Tanzania, East Africa, and beyond. As the Founding National Coordinator and Board Secretary of THRDC, he has been at the forefront of building one of the region’s most credible and impactful platforms for the protection, empowerment, and collective voice of human rights defenders. Under his leadership, THRDC has grown into a nationally, regionally, and internationally respected coalition, contributing meaningfully to policy reform, protection mechanisms, advocacy, and solidarity for defenders at risk for over ten years.
THRDC particularly commends the Consultative Group’s acknowledgment of Adv. Olengurumwa’s vision for the mandate, his solid understanding of the UN and regional human rights mechanisms and challenges faced by human rights defenders. For THRDC, this is both a moment of institutional pride and collective affirmation of our work. It highlights the caliber of leadership emerging from Tanzania’s civil society. It also serves as a source of inspiration to upcoming human rights defenders across Tanzania, Africa and the Global South, affirming that local, principled, and sustained advocacy can resonate at the highest international levels.
While the final appointment remains subject to the renewal of the mandate by the President of the Human Rights Council, THRDC recognizes this achievement as a historic milestone one that reflects years of sacrifice, courage, intellectual rigor, and unwavering commitment to the protection of those who stand at the frontlines of human rights struggles.
On behalf of its members, partners, and the wider human rights community, THRDC congratulates Adv. Onesmo Olengurumwa for reaching this level of UN recruitment process. We celebrate his contribution, commend his leadership, and wish him continued strength and success as he advances the cause of human rights defenders nationally, regionally, and globally.
Issued today 26/01/2026 by
Adv. Halima Sonda Acting National Coordinator for THRDC
Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
