A total of eighteen human rights advocates were recognized on Friday 8 December 2023 for their trailblazing work in the promotion and protection of human rights.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Royal Danish Embassy where various nominees were recognized under the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award and The Global Solidarity Award and the Popular Vote Award.

Despite not being among the list of nominees, five other rights defenders and organizations were recognized at the ceremony for their dedication and exemplary commitment in serving their communities.

Here is the full list of winners under each category:

Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year Award

1. The Social Justice Centers Travelling Theatre

In recognition of your exemplary and innovative use of Art and Theatre for the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya’s informal settlements and beyond.

Human Rights Defender of the Year Award

1. National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights commission

In recognition of your exemplary and outstanding contribution towards the promotion and protection of human rights for LGBTIQ+ persons in Kenya

2. Peter Epakan

In recognition of your exemplary contribution towards the promotion and protection of human rights including minority groups within the Lake Turkana Basin.

Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award

1. Paul K. Muite

In recognition of your courage and exemplary contribution towards good governance, constitutionalism, rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kenya

Global Solidarity Award

1. Black Lives Matter Movement

In recognition of your inspiration and solidarity with global struggles against human rights violations, racial discrimination and inequality across the globe.

Popular Vote Award

1. Dennis Orengo Juma

In recognition of your exemplary contribution towards the promotion and protection of human rights and the inclusion of persons with disability within the informal settlements in Nairobi County.

The Human Rights Defenders Awards Jury recognized five other rights defenders and organizations were recognized at the ceremony for their dedication and exemplary commitment in serving their communities. Here are their names:

1. Mukuru Community Justice Centre- for their advocacy initiatives on community land rights highlighting the impact of demolitions on families and the community within their informal settlement
2. Mark Ninga- For their uptake and utilization of social media platforms to advance sexual minority acceptance, inclusion and protection
3. Julius Kamau- For their exemplified and embodiments of article 37 on right to peaceful and unarmed protest despite facing numerous charges emanating from his arrest while peacefully protesting.
4. Alvin Macharia Kamau (Minor) – 9 year old from Nakuru who is the current Mr. Mini Environment For their initiatives towards rallying the young generation to take action on environmental rights and climate justice through tree planting.
5. Aileen Florence Akinyi (Minor)- 10 year old child philanthropist from Kisumu who is vocal on vulnerable girls and women especially widows, working with widows to raise funds for their economic empowerment and access to sanitary towels for vulnerable girls.

Read the profiles of all nominees here