How do we protect human rights defenders, journalists, activists and displaced communities in an increasingly complex digital world?
At the 13th Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (#FIFAfrica26), held in Mauritius from 28 September to 1 October 2026, Donatien Niyongendako, Executive Director of Integrated Refugee Organization (IRO), joined regional and international digital rights actors in advancing practical approaches to digital security, online safety and internet freedom.
A key highlight of his participation was contributing to the Digital Reality Walk: Paths, Traps and Safe Passages on 30 September and 1 October. Through this interactive experience, participants explored real-world digital threats, practical security tools and safer ways to navigate the digital environment.
As part of the Digital Reality Walk team, Donatien supported the digital security helpdesk, provided French-language assistance and guided French-speaking participants through scenarios involving digital threats and protective tools. This hands-on engagement connected technical knowledge with the practical realities faced by people whose work, safety and freedom depend on secure digital access.
For IRO, digital security is not simply a technical issue. It is a matter of human rights, dignity, protection and meaningful participation.
As a refugee-led organization working to protect and empower displaced communities, IRO understands that refugees, human rights defenders and journalists often face intersecting challenges, including digital surveillance, online harassment, information manipulation, account compromise and barriers to accessing secure technologies.
Through its Digital Security Helpdesk, Resource Center and broader digital resilience initiatives, IRO is committed to strengthening access to practical digital protection, building community capacity and ensuring that displaced people are not left behind in conversations about digital rights and technological innovation.
FIFAfrica26 reinforced the importance of collaboration between civil society organizations, technology developers, digital rights experts and communities on the front lines of digital risks. It also created opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore partnerships and identify practical approaches to making digital protection more accessible and inclusive.
We extend our appreciation to the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and the Digital Reality Walk team for creating spaces where digital rights principles are translated into practical learning and action.
Our message is clear: digital rights must include the rights of refugees and displaced communities. Their protection, voices and leadership must be central to building a safer, more inclusive and rights-respecting digital future for Africa.
IRO remains committed to strengthening partnerships that advance digital security, human rights protection, internet freedom and refugee-led innovation across Africa and beyond.
#FIFAfrica26 #InternetFreedomAfrica #DigitalSecurity #DigitalRights #RefugeeLed #HumanRightsDefenders #OnlineSafety #InternetFreedom #DigitalInclusion #IRO
