We believe the participation and representation of minority and indigenous voices is essential for a well-functioning society. 

Minority Rights Group Africa (MRGA) was established in 2003 in Kampala, Uganda, as an independent organization under the wider Minority Rights Group family. We are guided by an Advisory Committee with members from Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, and we are currently considering new members from West Africa and Southern Africa. Our aim is the promotion and protection of the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples mainly across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Our work addresses the marginalization of primarily ethnic, but also religious and linguistic minority and indigenous communities, by amplifying their voices to influence policy change and advocating for their access to education, health, water, housing, income and decent work, as well as their inclusion in society. Our work falls within five thematic areas: education and health; land rights and legal empowerment; conflict prevention and peace building; climate change; and capacity and institutional strengthening. Additionally, we operate with an intersectional lens, paying particular attention to how intersectional identities shape the lives of minorities and indigenous peoples in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Since 2003, our accomplishments include supporting over 1,000 minority and indigenous rights activists in developing their capacity, successfully litigating the landmark land rights of the Ogiek of Mau, investigating human rights violations against the Batwa of Kauzi-Biega, producing authoritative publications and continuously advocating to secure long-lasting changes for minority and indigenous communities. We led the establishment of the Indigenous Minority Group (IMG), a coalition of Ugandan organisations working with indigenous peoples and in constructive engagement with government departments. We are also members of the International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) and the International Land Coalition.  

As our work expands, so does our presence. We are closely connected to regional and international human rights mechanisms. To maintain dialogue with influential actors, our work is supported by advisors in Brussels close to EU institutions, in Geneva close to UN institutions, and in The Gambia close to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Our network of regional correspondents also includes a Southern Africa advisor based in Namibia.

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