HRRG Opens Partnership Opportunities for 2027 Global RightsShield Awards
Accra, Ghana — August 2026: Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) has opened opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaboration in preparation for the 2027 edition of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards, an independent international honours programme recognizing exceptional leadership, service and measurable contributions to human rights, democracy, justice, peace, inclusion, sustainable development and human dignity across Africa and beyond.
Following the successful inaugural edition held in Abuja, Nigeria, in July 2026, HRRG is now preparing for the 2027 edition while expanding the programme’s engagement with credible organizations, institutions, civil society networks, professional bodies, media organizations, universities, development actors, foundations, corporate entities and other stakeholders across Africa and internationally.
Expanding the Global Reach of the Awards
The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards were established to celebrate individuals and institutions whose leadership, service, courage, innovation and commitment have created meaningful and lasting impact in their communities, countries and the wider world.
The Awards recognize a broad range of changemakers, including public leaders, diplomats, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, academics, journalists, innovators, development practitioners, philanthropists and other individuals and institutions contributing to positive social transformation.
As the programme enters its next phase, HRRG is seeking to build a wider community of credible partners who can contribute to strengthening the Awards’ international reach, visibility, participation and impact.
What Does Partnership Mean?
Partnership with the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards means collaborating with HRRG in agreed areas that contribute to the growth, reach and impact of the programme.
Importantly, partnership does not necessarily require financial contribution. HRRG recognizes that organizations and individuals possess different strengths, networks, expertise and resources. Accordingly, collaboration may be structured around the areas in which a prospective partner can make the greatest contribution.
Potential contributions may include professional expertise, networks, introductions, nominations outreach, regional engagement, communications, media visibility, knowledge exchange, institutional support, resource mobilization, sponsorship or in-kind assistance.
Partnership Opportunities
HRRG is inviting credible individuals and organizations to explore several possible forms of collaboration, including:
Strategic Partners
Organizations and institutions providing strategic support, expertise, networks and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the growth and international positioning of the Awards.
Civil Society Partners
Civil society organizations and networks supporting nominations outreach, human rights advocacy, regional participation, stakeholder engagement and visibility.
Knowledge Partners
Universities, research institutions, think tanks, professional bodies and experts contributing knowledge, research, technical expertise or thought leadership.
Institutional Partners
Public, private, professional and development institutions supporting the programme through institutional collaboration, networks, technical assistance or stakeholder engagement.
Media & Communications Partners
Media organizations, journalists, digital platforms and communications institutions supporting responsible publicity, storytelling, interviews, awareness and visibility.
Regional & International Outreach Partners
Individuals, professionals, advocates and organizations with strong networks who can connect the Awards with credible stakeholders, institutions, civil society networks, media, academia, development actors and other relevant partners within their countries or regions.
Sponsoring Partners
Organizations, foundations, philanthropies and corporate entities interested in providing financial or in-kind support for specific award categories, events, production, outreach or other agreed programme activities.
Areas of Collaboration
Depending on the nature of each partnership, collaborators may support the Awards through:
• Promoting the Awards within relevant networks and communities.
• Encouraging credible nominations of deserving individuals and institutions.
• Connecting HRRG with reputable organizations, institutions, foundations, media houses, universities and development partners.
• Supporting regional and international stakeholder engagement.
• Providing technical, professional, research or knowledge support.
• Supporting media engagement, digital visibility and storytelling.
• Facilitating opportunities for HRRG to engage stakeholders in particular countries or regions.
• Supporting resource mobilization and identifying potential sponsors or institutional supporters.
• Sponsoring specific award categories, events or programme activities.
• Providing in-kind support, professional services, venues, media support or other agreed resources.
The precise responsibilities and expectations of each partner will be discussed and mutually agreed before any formal partnership is established.
Protecting the Independence and Integrity of the Awards
The HRRG Global RightsShield Awards remain an independent initiative conceived, founded, owned, organized and administered by Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).
Partnership does not confer ownership, control or decision-making authority over the Awards unless expressly provided for under a separate written agreement.
HRRG retains overall responsibility for the governance, administration, brand, programme direction and integrity of the Awards.
All nominations, assessments and final selections are undertaken through an independent and transparent process guided by established governance principles, ethical standards and merit-based evaluation criteria.
Partners may support outreach and recommend or nominate individuals or institutions, but no partner is guaranteed an award or permitted to influence the outcome of the independent selection process.
This approach is intended to safeguard the credibility, fairness, independence and international reputation of the HRRG Global RightsShield Awards.
Building a Platform for Global Recognition
HRRG believes that the value of the Global RightsShield Awards extends beyond the presentation of honours.
The programme seeks to create a credible international platform for recognizing impact, connecting changemakers and amplifying positive contributions to society.
Through strategic collaboration, the Awards can help strengthen cross-border networking, knowledge exchange, regional participation, public recognition and conversations around human rights, responsible leadership, inclusion and human dignity.
HRRG is particularly interested in working with partners who can help bring the Awards closer to deserving individuals and institutions across different countries and regions.
HRRG therefore invites credible organizations, institutions, civil society networks, foundations, media organizations, universities, development actors, corporate bodies, professionals and other stakeholders who share these values to explore opportunities for collaboration.
The organization is particularly interested in partners who can contribute networks, expertise, regional reach, institutional connections, visibility, technical support, resource mobilization, sponsorship or other meaningful forms of collaboration.
Partnership arrangements will be discussed individually based on the prospective partner’s interests, capacity, geographical reach and areas of expertise.
HRRG welcomes the opportunity to discuss what form of collaboration may be most appropriate and mutually beneficial.
Together, we can recognize impact, celebrate leadership and advance human dignity.
About Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is a Ghana-based, youth-led human rights and media-focused civil society organization committed to advancing human dignity, democratic accountability, social justice, civic participation, environmental sustainability, media freedom and sustainable development.
Through advocacy, investigative journalism, research, public education, capacity building, policy engagement and strategic partnerships, HRRG works to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized populations while promoting accountability, transparency, inclusion and democratic governance across Ghana, Africa and beyond.
HRRG works with journalists, policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, traditional authorities, communities and other stakeholders to advance human rights and sustainable development.
Notable Achievements and International Recognition
HRRG’s work has received national and international recognition for its innovation, advocacy and transformative impact, including:
• 5th United Nations Global Entreps Award for Best International Practice on Sustainability, through its nationwide KTT Project, which reached more than 60,000 beneficiaries.
• Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023).
• Finalist, African Human Rights Defenders Shield Awards (2023).
• Africans Rising Activism Award – Movement of the Year (2020), Fourth Place.
• Honorary Award for Peace, Security and Education at the Africa Early Childhood Education Awards (2021).
• Listed among Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Changemakers (2024).
• Featured in Business Woman Club International Magazine (Ukraine) for contributions to women’s rights advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Recognized by the World Bank for expert contributions to the Second Edition of the Equality of Opportunity for Sexual and Gender Minorities (EQOSOGI) Report.
HRRG also convenes and supports more than 500 civil society organizations through its leadership of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Contact
Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG)
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor
Executive Director
Email: hrrghana@gmail.com
Website: humanrightsreportersgh.org
HRRG Global RightsShield Awards
Recognizing Impact. Celebrating Leadership. Advancing Human Dignity.
