Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Triumphs and Shadows.
Grassroots human rights defenders
We are in Kilifi; unveiling the new cohort of WHRDs toolkit organizers in the Coast
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.
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.
Actor mapping in Kayole, Kibra and Mathare
To be safe and effective in defending human rights it is important to know the context you work in.
Investing in improving relations between Police and Civil society
From March until the end of 2024, PBI Kenya together with Kayole Community Justice Centre, Kibera Social Justice Centre and the Mathare Network (Ghetto Foundation, Ruaraka Community Justice Centre, Kiamaiko Community Justice Centre and Mathare Social Justice Centre) will set in motion a project to improve relationships and dialogue between HRDs, citizens and security forces in their respective areas.
Missing Voices: Accountability Now
The Missing Voices 2022 Annual Report Accountability now was launched on 24 March 2023, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. Missing Voices documented 130 cases of police killings and 22 cases of enforced disappearances in 2022, bringing the total number to 152.
How Kenyan artists are fighting police abuses
A group of Kenyan artists affected by extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances is using its talents to spotlight the abuses. They speak truth to power, risking their lives to bring a just society.
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.