Greetings! This month grants us a rare opportunity to reflect, reset, and restart. But before we embark on this exciting journey into the possibilities of 2024, let's cast one last look upon the year that bid us farewell. In the last quarter of 2023, we were part of a myriad of events in the human rights arena. We supported human rights defenders (HRDs) in marking 16 days of activism against gender-based violence that started in November 25. To mark the International Human Rights Day, we joined Missing Voices Kenya in celebrating the milestones achieved since inception; and we joined the UN in marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To crown the year, we took a moment to honour and commend HRDs for their unwavering commitments and notable achievements. These are but a few highlights from a bustling schedule of events that filled the quarter.

At PBI Kenya we firmly believe that our contributions, no matter how modest, form part of a global effort. Each step we take, every endeavour we pursue, is a meaningful stride towards the change we aspire to see—a world brimming with freedom, equality, and justice for all. However, amid the triumphs, we cannot ignore the shadows cast by the atrocities unfolding in various corners of the globe. The dark canvas of war in the Congo, Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine demands our attention. As civil society groups, we must question the strength of our efforts in finding solutions and whether they absolve us of accountability for these crimes.

The tragedies in Ukraine and Palestine echo loudly on the international stage, urging more effective diplomatic interventions. Closer home, in Africa, 40 million people are forcibly displaced due to conflicts, grappling with the loss of everything and the arduous struggle to keep families intact. We stand firm in the belief that everyone is equal, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, politics, or place of birth, guided by our mission and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Every individual has the right to life, freedom, and safety—rights that should be inviolable. In the face of these challenges, we recognise our moral duty to contribute to the realisation of these principles through our words, actions, and unwavering solidarity. It is an endeavour both exciting and daunting, but we stand ready. As we step into 2024, we extend our heartfelt wishes to you, dear friends. May this year bring you positive change, resilience, and progress.