HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement

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What we work on

HuMENA advances human rights and civic engagement across the Middle East and North Africa. We work on these issues through research and documentation, advocacy, capacity building and protection.

Civic Space & Freedoms

Defending the right to assemble, speak, and organize.

Protection of Defenders

Standing with those who carry the work.

Digital Rights & Civic Tech

Securing freedoms in the digital layer.

A protester films a demonstration on her phone, Tyre, Lebanon, 2019

Inclusive Governance & Justice

Accountable institutions, rooted in the people they serve.

Photo credit: Fatma Badri

Diaspora & Exile Engagement

Carrying voices across borders.

How we work

HuMENA documents human rights violations across the Middle East and North Africa, brings them before the bodies that can act on them, and supports the defenders who are at risk.

Research and documentation

Advocacy

Capacity building

Protection

How we work, in full

Defenders at risk

See all defenders

Ghassan Najjar

Palestine

Held since November 2026

Ayman Ghraieb

Palestine · Journalist

Held since December 2025

Latest: Hearing, 24 September 2026

Ismail Alexandrani

Egypt · Academic / researcher

Held since September 2025

Latest: Pretrial detention renewed, 6 September 2026

Research and analysis

Criminalization of Art in Egypt: Artists Behind Bars

In Egypt, artists remain in prison. This piece looks at artivism and the prosecution of artists for publishing false news.

Levels of Disappearance: Between Disappearance and Concealment

Under authoritarian regimes where democracy disappears, citizens become systematically excluded from the public space.

Gender and Sexuality Activism in Exile: A Toolkit for Human Rights Defenders and LGBTI Activists

A practical toolkit for human rights defenders and LGBTI activists working on gender and sexuality issues while living in exile.

From Criticism to Crime: How Tunisia Uses Article 86 Against Dissent

Freedom of expression in Tunisia faces another test, as courts keep sentencing people under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code.

The Media Law in Lebanon: Between Opportunities and Risks

After more than sixteen years of discussion, Lebanon’s parliament adopted a new media law on 11 August 2026.

After the Pardon: Ahmad Douma and Freedom Under Constraint After Release

What does freedom mean when a person leaves prison but still faces prosecution and restrictions? An analysis of Ahmed Douma’s case after his pardon.

Partners & Supporters

Partners and supporters

A network of partner organisations, allies, and supporters across MENA and beyond.