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Capacity Building

Peace Brigades International Annual Review 2022

PBI published its 2022 International Annual Review, reflecting upon the challenges facing environmental and human rights defenders around the world, and the impact of their work and PBI’s activities in Latin America, Kenya, Nepal and Indonesia.

The increased militarisation of public security and widespread smearing of defenders were two of the dynamics that affected the ability of activists to work effectively across the regions and communities where PBI operates.

Sharing knowledge between Toolkit Organisers

A vital aspect of the Toolkit Organisers network is sharing knowledge between HRDs. This week, Junia shared best practices on effective campaigning as an advocacy strategy and supported the team in practically creating a vision and problem identification.

In 2022, Junia attended a Fellowship for human rights defenders at Dundee University. He worked on well-being and expanded his networks and knowledge of best practices in advocacy. Upon his return, he shared his experiences with the Toolkit Organisers in the session.

Organization Development and Structure Strengthening training with WHRD Toolkit Organizers

The WHRD Toolkit Organizers network has been active since 2016. Last year, several members started a community-based organisation, ‘Toolkit Organizers CBO’. With support from PBI Kenya they held a workshop on Organization Development and Structure Strengthening (ODSS). The Toolkit Organizers brought out the need to strengthen the CBO’s structure and systems. The workshop contributed to the capacity to handle internal and external relationships for greater impact. They touched on leadership, governance and financial resource management.

Toolkit Organizers network meetings

Training of Trainers on community organizing

In October, ten HRDs from the Social Justice Centres (SJCs) participated in a Training of Trainers (ToT) on community organizing. The participants are experienced community organizers from various SJCs in Nairobi. This particular training helped them to improve their skills in analyzing the community’s situation with fellow community members and seeking solutions together.

Peace Brigades International 2021 Annual Review

2021 was a year of regenerating so much of what was lost, put on hold or forgotten the year before with the Covid-19 pandemic. Priorities and plans have shifted and PBI, along with so many other organisations, has been reflecting on and adjusting our work to ensure that the protection we provide to human rights defenders (HRDs) across the world remains relevant and responds to their urgent needs.

Psychosocial support to Human Rights Defenders

At PBI, the safety and wellbeing of human rights defenders are paramount. PBI Kenya embraces the concept of holistic ‘human security’ that entails freedom from fear, freedom from want, and freedom to live in dignity. This security goes beyond physical to include economic, health, environmental, personal, and community elements of life.