In 2017, Media Defence began its Digital Rights Advocates Project (DRAP) which aims to improve the legal environment for freedom of expression online in sub-Saharan Africa. DRAP seeks to achieve this by building and strengthening a network of litigators that litigate on a wide range of digital rights issues, and by ensuring that journalists, citizen journalists and online media are protected, supported and defended by skilled lawyers when facing legal action. Specific objectives include:
- Lawyers across sub-Saharan Africa have enhanced specialist legal expertise to litigate on a wide range of digital rights cases at the national, regional and international level and in-depth knowledge on priority digital rights issues;
- An active and collaborative network of lawyers that proactively engage in and take legal actions to promote digital rights is developed and strengthened; and
- Citizen journalists, journalists and online media that face legal threats and legal action have better access to free, quality legal defence and support.
Since the start of DRAP, Media Defence has successfully trained 72 lawyers and provided advanced training to 23 DRAP alumni.
Media Defence seeks to commission a research report to look at how the digital rights landscape has changed in sub-Saharan Africa, both positively and negatively, what factors led to these changes, and where relevant, any future litigation opportunities.
To find out more and to apply, please click here. If you have any questions regarding this consultancy, please contact naz.k@mediadefence.org
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2021.
