The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Pan-African Human Rights Photography Competition, held under the theme “Behind Every Case, A Human Story.” The winners were unveiled on 14 October 2026 during IHRDA’s annual networking reception at Loman’s Art House in Dakar, Senegal, on the sidelines of the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Samuel Okechukwu Wins First Place with A Place Called Home

Samuel Okechukwu, a photographer from Lagos, Nigeria, emerged as the overall winner with his photograph, A Place Called Home. Samuel travelled from Lagos to Dakar to receive his award and trophy.The photograph captures a family sitting silently in a wooden boat as they watch a bulldozer tear through what remains of their community in Makoko, Lagos. The boats that once carried them to work, school and the market have become their only refuge.Through this powerful image, Okechukwu illustrates how a home represents more than physical shelter; it embodies identity, belonging and security. Against a backdrop of displacement and uncertainty, the photograph captures the resilience of families striving to protect their dignity and make their voices heard.

Mavingo Nyaga Takes First Runner-up with Samoka’s Hand

Mavingo Nyaga, a photographer from Nairobi, Kenya, was named first runner-up for his photograph, Samoka’s Hand.The photograph tells the story of Wanjira, known as Samoka—the one who disappears—who supported the Mau Mau movement during Kenya’s struggle for independence. She cooked for fighters, carried messages through the Mount Kenya forest and warned them of approaching danger.Her weathered hands bear witness to a life marked by courage, sacrifice and resilience. The photograph honours the often-overlooked contributions of women to Kenya’s liberation struggle and highlights the importance of documenting stories of resistance that might otherwise remain untold.

Ina Thiam Named Second Runner-up with For Better and For Worse

Ina Thiam, a photographer from Dakar, Senegal, secured second runner-up with her photograph, For Better and For Worse.The image portrays a couple holding on to moments of tenderness and everyday life inside a home transformed by heat, dust and smoke. Wearing improvised masks made from newspaper headlines about health and the environment, they navigate a world increasingly shaped by pollution and global warming.The photograph offers a poignant reflection on the human consequences of environmental degradation and climate change. It reminds us that these challenges extend beyond statistics and policy discussions, affecting people’s homes, relationships, health and daily lives.

A heartfelt thank you to every photographer who participated in this inaugural competition. Your creativity, commitment, and willingness to document the human stories behind human rights issues are truly appreciated.

Shortlisted photographs: https://ihrda.org/en/the-ihrda-pan-african-human-rights-photography-competition/