The reported deregistration of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) by the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has sparked fresh reactions, with the organisation’s Ad-hoc Committee describing the development as vindication of concerns it has repeatedly raised about the coalition’s leadership and governance.
Ad-hoc Committee National Coordinator, Sammy Aaron, says the reported decision reinforces the committee’s long-standing position that serious governance challenges have taken root within HRDC and require urgent attention.
Aaron told journalists that the committee has consistently highlighted concerns surrounding poor governance, lack of accountability, failure to convene Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and disregard for constitutional obligations.
According to Aaron, these concerns were not merely internal disagreements but fundamental issues that threatened the credibility, institutional integrity and proper functioning of an organisation that once commanded considerable respect.
He further argued that NGORA’s reported decision should serve as a wake-up call to the current HRDC leadership, stressing that no organisation, regardless of its influence or reputation, is above the law.
Aaron said the development should prompt those at the helm of the coalition to reflect on their leadership approach and recognise the importance of operating within the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
He has since challenged the current leadership to demonstrate humility, accept responsibility and take immediate corrective measures to address the governance shortcomings that have brought the institution into disrepute.
The Ad-hoc Committee believes that restoring confidence in HRDC will require more than public statements, calling for accountability, respect for the organisation’s constitution and a renewed commitment to transparent and democratic leadership.
