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Our story for 2020 is not one of drastic changes to the world we live in, but of our response to ongoing challenges we face. Time and again we saw with adept demonstration how resilient, creative, and adaptable human rights defenders can be in the face of

repression and mutation of risks. The challenges are well known: criminalization of HRDs work through perpetual intimidation, harassment, imprisonment, detention, enforced disappearances, threats, digital shaming, punitive justice administration processes, systematic implementation of restrictions to fundamental freedoms and a deepening shift in the narrative on human rights defenders from protector of the people to enemy of the state.

The Covid-19 pandemic amplified some of these challenges while contributing to even more challenges within the operating environment for HRDs. We don’t accept this challenging environment for human rights as the new normal, but, we acknowledge the need to develop ways to achieve our goals within it.

The key is in how we adapt, how we resist, and how we use the power of solidarity within our networks and establish strong movements that not only respond to the situation of HRDs, but also set the human rights agenda. The vibrant communities and partnerships we have fostered for the last one decade through the different fora and auspices of engagement demonstrated the strength of their potential. Together, we were visible and we increased our cooperation in advocacy, capacity building and in protection, thus setting the stage to meet the challenges we face.

We can proudly highlight the following key milestones mad enduring the year 2020: Looking to the long term, we took ownership in our response to worrying trends – reaching out to new and existing partners to build coalitions, and laying the foundations for engagement in our joint case studies, reports, and events.

At our launch events and submissions to regional and international watchbodies, we united with different multi-level stakeholders through joint statements and recommendations to the relevant duty bearers. We also used our combined networks to make sure HRD voices are heard across the world. These included submission to the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) two shadow reports to the African Commission on Human people’s rights and a statement during Kenya’s UPR report adoption at the 45th Human Rights Council Session in Geneva. We also looked to a joint response to the shrinking civic space in Kenya as more and more freedoms are under threat in the guise of implementing Covid-19 measures. We challenged regulations, practices and actions aimed at drawing pushbacks on the civic space, specifically the freedom of expression, association and assembly.

In the same spirit, we launched a case digest report dubbed “They Keep Coming After Rights Defenders” to highlight trends on human rights defenders and the law in Kenya. The report is a basis for advocating for a just and fair legal and judicial processes for HRDs seeking their services. Besides joining forces to address international trends, aligning with technological advances and needs of HRDs, we came together in areas such as human rights education and capacity building.

Through the newly launched Defender Coalition E-library, HRDs can now access resources necessary to enhance their capacities at the click of a button. Further, we held 24 physical capacity building activities which culminated to the Annual weeklong HRD Academy in November 2020, where 100 upcoming HRDs were brought together to network, debrief and equip them with necessary skills.

Having re-thought the sustainability of the work of defending rights in Kenya, we have made huge strides in advancing and instilling the same among HRDs through the #ClimbForJustice Campaign. Over 800 fitness enthusiasts and supporters of our work have hiked different destinations to speak against human rights violations as well as raise funds for setting up a HRD hub. We are thankful

1. We watched over the backs of 400 HRDs who were at risk due to their work. We equipped them with skills to continue doing their work effectively and without fear

2. We equipped HRD networks with skills to be effective first responders within their communities during Covid-19 pandemic

3. The presence of Defenders Coalition as the spokesperson for HRDs served to denounce and resist harmful actions on the environment of HRDs, and keep the perpetrators on toes (both state and non-state)

4. Defenders Coalition had a 100% success rate on mitigating torture and detention among HRDs who were criminalized because of their work

5. Defenders Coalition successfully mobilized critical partners to jointly engage in advocacy over pressing human rights issues in Kenya

6. Defenders Coalition successfully build protection pathways for HRDs at the most remote corners of the country with national, regional and international systems and actors coming on board to protect HRDs

7. Defenders Coalition innovatively responded to humanitarian and resilience need to HRDs and CSO organizations during Covid-19 pandemic

Read Our Annual Report Here