By Wallace Nderu
The writer is the research and advocacy adviser, Defenders Coalition
Human Rights Defenders (HRD) play a significant role in championing the rights and freedoms within our society. Most often, HRDs champion for these rights and freedoms, not for the accolades, but the desire for change, a more just and equitable society where all can thrive.
For some, pain and trauma birth the desire for transformation, while others, the need for a better tomorrow solidifies their work for defending rights and freedoms. It can be stated that being a HRD is often viewed as a thankless job, to others, they are viewed as troublemakers and busy bodies, to others, they are time wasters, granted that what they embark on is belittled and not seen as an agent for change.
The UN Declaration of Human Defenders provides human rights defenders as individuals or groups who act to promote, protect or strive for the protection and realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means. The declaration further recognises the key role of human rights defenders in the realisation of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and legally binding treaties and in the international human rights system. It can be added, that the rights and freedoms are equally those provided under the constitution and regional instruments Kenya has ratified. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights equally recognise the critical importance of HRDs.
In the recent past, and especially during the protests, HRDs have come under significant threats, harassment and intimidation owing to their human rights work. We witnessed many being victims of arbitrary arrests, trumped up charges to include charges of terrorism, abduction, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The aim being to muzzle the voices of those critical to abuse, violations and abuse of power.
It needs to be appreciated that to thrive in a just society, equality and non-discrimination, access to justice, good governance, rule of law and constitutionalism are key ingredients. It is for this reason that HRDs championing the rights and freedoms within their communities.
The HRD Working Group co-chaired by Defenders Coalition and the Embassy of Denmark, has for the last nine years taken up the initiative to recognise and award HRDs for their commitment to advancing rights and freedoms in their communities, through the HRD Awards. Throughout this journey, HRDs who have worked in diverse areas to include mental health rights, climate change, environmental rights, women’s and girls’ rights, queer and gender minority rights and socio-economic changes, among others, have been recognised.
This year, the HRD Working Group marks the 10th year of the HRD Awards. The awards come at a time when HRDs have suffered significant harm, while advancing rights and freedoms. The awards, as highlighted, seeks to recognise the invaluable work HRDs undertake, work that is tangible and which advances change within their communities. This year, it is no different, we strive to recognise and celebrate the HRDs in all their diversities, those who have made significant change in their communities.
It is important that even through a nomination, a human rights defender appreciates that someone is taking notice of the amazing work that they are doing.
The recognition of HRDs in all their diversities serves to boost morale, to remain the fuel that keeps on burning as they strive to make changes in their communities. Recognition, through the HRD Awards, remains significant and a constant reminder that there is need to champion rights and freedoms of the voiceless. It is very important that we recognise the work by HRDs, respect it and applaud them for the risks they take, and the changes they seek to achieve every day. Recognition of HRDs is indeed significant in boosting their morale.
The article was published in the Star Newspaper on 8th August, 2025