INTRODUCTION

Civic space in Kenya continues to be under pressure as a range of actions are being directed against the work of Human Rights Defenders (HRD) and Civil Society organizations in Kenya. Physical attacks, criminal and administrative actions, legislative restrictions, negative rhetoric and limitation of human rights have undermined the Constitutional and international protections available to HRDs.

It is against this backdrop that the Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya, which brings together CSOs and development partners concerned with the protection of HRDs, is organizing the fourth edition of the HRD Awards on the 29^th of November 2019. The aim of the ceremony is to honour and publicly recognize the important work of HRDs in Kenya, by giving out awards to men and women who have demonstrated courage and impact in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The awards are presented in three categories: the Munir Mazrui Lifetime achievement award, the Human Rights Defender of the year award and the upcoming Human Rights Defender of the year award.

THE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of these awards are to:

1. Honour the extraordinary work of HRDs in the promotion and protection of human rights;
2. Profile the work of HRDs and challenges they face as agents of social change and transformation;
3. Recognise and appreciate the human rights work of young and upcoming HRDs in Kenya and support talent;
4. Enhance the safety and protection of all HRDs in Kenya.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Nomination:

The Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya develops a call for nominations which is then widely circulated by the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders-Kenya (NCHRD-K) and other partners. This call outlines the criteria for eligibility for nomination.

• Shortlisting:

A panel then shortlists five individuals per category within the set out guidelines for shortlisting candidates.

• Verification:

The panel verifies the HRDs human rights work through field visits, and interviews with the nominators, the nominees and their references.

• Selection:

The Independent Selection Panel, which comprises of eminent individuals in the human rights sector, will decide who will receive the awards based on the profiles of the nominated HRDs.

• Award ceremony:

Will be held on the 29^th November 2019 in the presence of CSOs, the government, selected HRDs from across the country, representatives from the international missions, and the media who will cover the event.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following will be taken into consideration:

• Grassroots based HRD
• Demonstrable impact of the HRDs human rights work in the community
• The role of the HRD in promoting human rights
• ‘Civil courage’ of the HRD in his/her human rights work
• Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity in his/her human rights work
• Contribution to the development of a human rights based approach within his/her county in regards to the thematic area of focus
• Future goals and likely impact
• Degree of difficulty of the achievement and sacrifices made
• Visibility derived from award to enhance the capacity of the HRD to promote human rights and active citizenship
• The HRD should have a link to the community and his/her work should have built or should be working towards building a movement.
• The HRD should be a seasoned or upcoming HRD.

The winners will receive:

• A cash award of $ 1,000
• A plaque with the HRDs name on it
• And will be guests at the 2020 HRD award ceremony

To nominate your favorite HRD: Download the Nomination Form Here

All nomination forms should be sent back to the NCHRD-K via advocacy@hrdcoalition.org with a clear subject line “HRD AWARD NOMINATION” by 15^th July 2019, 11:59 pm.