Front Line Defenders deeply saddened by the death of Mr Dewa Mavhinga

Front Line Defenders learns with deep sadness of the sudden death of Mr Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch is a partner of Front Line Defenders and Dewa was the epitome of that partnership in Southern Africa. A committed and dedicated human rights defender, Dewa was an invaluable partner for consultation, guidance, solidarity and advice to Front Line Defenders in the region.

Front Line Defenders joins the rest of the world in remembering the stellar work Dewa did as a human rights defender and as a protector of human rights defenders. Dewa was a advocate and stalwart of ensuring human rights  for all and remained focussed on, among many rights, indigenous people’s rights, violence and discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ rights, xenophobia, access to clean water, Covid 19 relief packages and fair distribution of vaccines. Dewa was passionate about exposing and ending political repression.

Front Line Defenders sends our heartfelt condolences to Dewa’s wife and children, the Mavhinga/Munatsi family, friends and colleagues, not only from Human Rights Watch, but from all the cooperating partners Dewa worked with.