Geneva – Nouakchott (January 19, 2026): The Committee for Justice (CFJ) follows with grave concern the continued detention of human rights activist and women’s rights defender, Diénaba N’Diom. Ms. N’Diom was subjected to arbitrary arrest following her participation in peaceful activities coinciding with the commemoration of the victims of the tragic November 28 events.
Targeting Field and Digital Rights: The Committee notes that the arrest of Ms. N’Diom—renowned for her advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and her support for the rights of widows and orphans—occurred amidst an escalating crackdown on women human rights defenders in Mauritania. CFJ considers the recourse to security repression against peaceful human rights demands a clear “setback” for freedom of expression, especially as the arrests included several women and youth supporting legitimate human rights causes.
Obstructing Transitional Justice: Committee for Justice (CFJ) emphasizes that the arrest of Diénaba N’Diom while exercising her right to honor the memory of victims hinders the efforts toward “Transitional Justice” and national reconciliation sought by Mauritanian human rights forces. Addressing files related to human rights memory through security-led approaches only deepens the sense of injustice and exacerbates social tension, rather than establishing the foundations of a state of law that respects the dignity of all.
Violation of International Obligations: The Committee reminds the Mauritanian authorities that targeting female activists during international campaigns dedicated to combating violence against women (such as the 16 Days of Activism) contradicts the State’s pledges before the Human Rights Council and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Furthermore, the Committee asserts that the circumstances of Ms. N’Diom’s detention lack the guarantees of “due process,” rendering her imprisonment a purely arbitrary measure.
Demands: Accordingly, the Committee for Justice (CFJ) demands:
The immediate and unconditional release of activist Diénaba N’Diom and all those detained in connection with recent peaceful protests.
An end to intimidation policies targeting women human rights defenders and the opening of genuine dialogue channels to address transitional justice issues.
The alignment of security practices with the Mauritanian Constitution and international instruments that guarantee the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
CFJ will work to include Diénaba N’Diom’s case in its reports submitted to international mechanisms in Geneva to ensure that women defenders are protected in a safe environment free from repression.
