About Us
Uproar is a programme championing digital rights in over 30 countries across Africa, MENA region and Central Asia through the Universal Periodic Review, a mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council. This initiative is coordinated by Small Media, a UK-based organisation, to support and strengthen freedom of expression online.
Strategy
The Uproar project works to advance the cause of digital rights globally by supporting our network of partners to engage in international advocacy at the Universal Periodic Review. We do this by supporting digital rights organisations to advocate effectively for human rights online through the UPR and national and regional-level decision-makers. We support capacity building, advocacy, design and research.
History
Small Media is a London-based organisation that works to support freedom of expression and access to information globally. We work with our global partners to develop strategies and tools that can support human rights defenders, activists and journalists to work. In line with Small Media’s goals we realised an opportunity to engage in the UPR, and in 2018, we decided to set up the Uproar programme to amplify digital rights.
Impact
By working together to get internet freedom on the agenda at the UPR, we put pressure on governments to roll back harmful internet controls and implement rigorous protections for freedom of expression online. As a result, we have recorded enormous success in sustained advocacy - including recommendations on digital rights by 22 countries in Tajikistan and over 15 in Tanzania.
Team
Uproar is composed of a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team of human rights experts, researchers, designers and developers based in the UK and across Africa.
Catherine Anite
Director of UPROAR, Uganda
Hannah Machlin
Advocacy Manager, UK
Tomiwa Ilori
Researcher, Nigeria/South Africa
Joanna Poplawska
Finance Officer, Poland
Surasti Puri
Head of Design, UK
Ethan Salmon
Junior Designer, UK
Dodo Wang
Social Media Consultant, UK
Nicolas Raptis
Social Media Coordinator, Greece
Riccardo Erra
Developer, UK
Coordinating Partners
CIPESA
The Collaboration on International Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is a NGO based in Kampala, Uganda. CIPESA facilitates the use of ICT in support of development and poverty reduction. As part of the Uproar network, CIPESA works with digital rights organisations across our target countries to document human rights violations and identify areas where support is needed.
Data4Change
Data4Change is a UK-based non-profit organisation working at the intersection of data, design, journalism and technology, collaborating with organisations on social and policy change interventions to forge real change and lasting impact. D4C designed and developed Uproar Tools, a powerful platform that allows users to explore and interrogate all recommendations put forward at the Universal Periodic Review.
Partner Organisations
We support a network of partner organisations across target countries to advocate for internet freedom through capacity building in advocacy, research and awareness building.
Access Now
Al Khatim Adlan Center for Enlightenment and Human Development
AnaTaban
Association des Utilisateurs des TIC (ICT Users Association)
Association for Progressive Communications
Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Mozambique (ACAMO)
Belady: An Island for Humanity
Bloggers Association of Kenya
Center for Media Studies and Peace Building
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation
Centre for Ruleof Law Rwanda
Chozen Generation
Citizens’ Advocacy Network
Data4Change
Defy Hate Now
FÓRUM DAS ASSOCIAÇÕES MOÇAMBICANAS DAS PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA (FAMOD)
Freedom of Expression Hub
Gambia Community Library
Gambia Cyber Security Alliance
Gambia Press Union
Give1
Haki Maendeleo
Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda
I AM PEACE
ICT4D Networking
Impact Iran
Institute for Governance Reform
Internet Society
Internet Yetu
Jonction
Jordan Open Source Association
Journalists for Human Rights
Kenya ICT Action Network
Ligue des droits de la personne humaine dans la région des Grands-Lacs
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe
Media Rights Agenda
National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda
Paradigm Initiative
Pollicy
Privacy International
Rudi International
Sierra Leone Reporters Union
Si Jeunesse Savait
Small Media
Social Media Exchange
Sudan Social Development Organization
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THDRC)
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa
The Media and Law Studies Association
Uganda Universal Periodic Review 2022
Women of Uganda Network
YMCA Africa Alliance
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
7iber
African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies
Campaign for Human Rights and Development International
Internet Governance Forum
Koneta Hub
Okay Africa Foundation
Rise Initiative for Women's Right Advocacy (RIWA)
Zimbabwe Centre For Media & Information Literacy
Contact us
Do you want to engage in the UPR as a local partner? Want to receive or access training on UPR advocacy? Or pitch an idea for an article? Contact us now!