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Grassroots human rights defenders

Speech by PBI Kenya Country Director, Alberto Fait at the PBI-Kenya's 10th Anniversary

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, comrades and friends, welcome to this anniversary. Comrades, today we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of our journey. A journey that we have made together. A journey to advance equality and justice. A journey of courage. A journey of which you all are the protagonists because exposing inequality, corruption, violence requires courage. Standing against intimidation and violence requires courage. Marching against tear gases to exercise our constitutional rights requires courage. Making changes requires courage.

Mama Victor: A Champion for Human Rights

It is with heavy hearts that Peace Brigades International Kenya joins in honouring the life and legacy of Benna Buluma, affectionately known as Mama Victor, a courageous human rights defender who has left an indelible mark on our hearts and in the human rights movement. Benna was swept away by floods caused by heavy rains while in her house in Mathare community, where she resided.

PBI at the UN Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue on Violence against women and girls

In June, PBI made an oral statement at the 53rd Human Rights Council Session during the Interactive Dialogue on Violence against women and girls. We raised concern about the situation of women and girls and Women Human Rights Defenders in Kenya and Guatemala. On Kenya, the statement reads:

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.