Click here for             Online nomination

Click here for          nomination in Swahili

Click here for offline Offline nomination

ABOUT THE AWARD 

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

It is against this backdrop that the Working Group on Human Rights Defenders in Kenya, which brings together CSOs, the UN, and development partners concerned with the protection of HRDs, is organizing the Eight edition of the HRD Awards on the 1^st December 2023. The ceremony aims to honor and publicly recognize the important work of HRDs in Kenya, by giving out awards to individuals who have demonstrated courage, innovation, and impact in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

2. WHO QUALIFIES?

The Working group will recognize the contribution of HRDs who promote and protect human  rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Nominations are open to human rights defenders with demonstrable courage, innovation, and impact of their human rights work on the community. You can self-nominate or nominate an individual that you believe are deserving.

3. THE AWARD CATEGORIES

• Upcoming Human Rights Defenders; Individuals or movements that have been active in the human rights movement ranging between 0-5 years and have shown exemplary courage, overcoming great difficulty and demonstrated courage in championing for the protection and promotion of human rights.
• Human Rights Defender of the year; Individuals or movement who have illustrated exemplary courage, overcoming great difficulty and demonstrated courage in taking up and challenging current human rights concerns within the past year.
• Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award; Seasoned Individuals or movements whose work illustrates great commitment over an extensive period of time in the protection and promotion of human rights  with great courage having overcome great difficulty and has demonstrated achievement throughout their work and life.
• Global Solidarity;  Individuals or movements whose actions have stood in solidarity and made tremendous contribution to the advancement of the human rights movement in Kenya. These could be Kenyans or foreigners who in the past have contributed to human rights advancement in Kenya from a regional of global level.

4. THE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of these awards are to:

• Honor the extraordinary work of HRDs in the promotion and protection of human rights.
• Profile the work of HRDs and the challenges they face as agents of social change and transformation.
• Recognize and appreciate the human rights work of young and upcoming HRDs in Kenya and support talent.
• Enhance the safety and protection of all HRDs in Kenya.
• Recognize innovation in engaging with human rights work

5. 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, also referred to as Defenders Coalition and other partners. This call outlines the criteria for eligibility for nomination. Both individual HRDs and groups/organizations can be nominated in the three categories.

Nominations can be done in three ways;

1. Filling the nomination form in the online portal,
2. Submitting a video/audio recording with the guidelines stated below,

• By making a call to make your nomination recorded.

Please note that the shortlisting committee does not put into consideration the number of nominations received for an individual as a merit for the award. Shortlisting and selection is based on achievement,

• Shortlisting:

A panel comprised of Human Rights Defenders, missions and organizations involved in the planning of the HRD Awards then shortlists five individuals per category within the set-out guidelines for shortlisting candidates.

• Verification:

Defenders Coalition verifies the HRD’s human rights work through field visits, and interviews with the nominators, the nominees, and their references.

• Selection:

The Independent Jury Panel, which comprises eminent individuals in the human rights sector, makes a final decision, from the names submitted, on the recipient of the three awards and the runner up.

• Award ceremony:

Will be held on the 1^st December 2023 in the presence of CSOs, the UN, the government, selected HRDs, representatives from the International Missions, and the media who will cover the event.

6. SELECTION CRITERIA

The following will be taken into consideration:

• Is the HRD grassroots-based?
• The demonstrable impact of the HRD’s human rights work on the community
• The role of the HRD in promoting human rights, especially the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups
• ‘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 with regards to the thematic area of focus
• Future goals and likely impact
• Degree of difficulty of the achievement and sacrifices made.
• Visibility derived from the award to enhance the work 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 is working towards building a movement.

7. THE AWARD

Four awards will be presented to the overall winners: the Munir Mazrui lifetime achievement award, the HRD of the year award, and the Upcoming HRD award and the Global Solidarity Award.

The winners will receive:

• A cash award of $ 1,000
• A plaque with the HRD’s or the group/organization’s name on it
• Will be a guest at the HRD award ceremony in 2023

All nomination forms should be sent back to the Defenders Coalition by filling this online nomination form or this offline nomination form that will be sent to hrdawards@defenderscoalition.org with a clear subject line “HRD AWARD NOMINATION” not later than 31^st August 2023, 11:59 P.M.

Click here for             Online nomination

Click here for          nomination in Swahili

Click here for offline Offline nomination

Statement of Solidarity to sexual minorities and advocates of the rights of sexual minorities in Uganda

30 May 2023, Nairobi, Kenya

The Defenders Coalition joins the SOGIE community in Uganda and the global community of human rights defenders in condemning the enactment of anti-homosexuality law in Uganda that seeks to advance punitive and discriminative criminal penalties against sexual minorities in Uganda.

We believe in respect for human rights for all persons. Any discrimination laws and practices on account of any grounds such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, language, religion or belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority organization, age or sexual orientation among others is unacceptable anywhere in the world. We are deeply concerned that by assenting the Anti Homosexuality Bill, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has provided the legal and political endorsement for discrimination and violence against some citizens of Uganda on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

As an organization whose purpose is to advance the rights of those at the frontline defending other people’s rights we demand the assurance of safety, security and wellbeing for all HRDs

promoting and protecting human rights for all. We call for reversal of this move of using national legislations to criminalize minority groups within our society.

We also call on the international community to be relentless in advancing universal rights codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other regional and international law. We call upon all global citizens to join hands in solidarity with the sexual minorities in Uganda and to demand for a world free of discrimination and violence.

Download the report here

Every year, Defenders Coalition produces and dispatches its annual report detailing the work of the organisation to support the safety, security and wellbeing of human rights defenders in Kenya.

In 2022, Defenders Coalition continued to expand and strengthen its rapid and practical support to Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) at risk across Kenya’s 47 counties that were effective and impactful towards supporting HRDs considering the prevailing operating environment – the 2022 general elections season.

We are excited to share with you our 2022 annual report that highlights the 100% success in offering much needed rapid response services to HRDs at risk and with an upward of 90% of HRDs returning to their work after onboarding onto the protection programme among others.

Download the report here

SOLIDARITY STATEMENT ON THE SUDDEN DEMISE OF VETERAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER IBRAHIM OGETO

Defenders Coalition is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden demise of comrade and veteran human rights defender Ibrahim Ogeto after a short illness. We join the human rights defenders fraternity in Nakuru to mourn the loss of a selfless comrade who dedicated his life to serving his community and has been at the frontline in championing human rights in Nakuru County

Mr. Ogeto was the coordinator of the Nakuru Paralegal Network and a member of the Alternative Justice System working Group in Nakuru County at the time of his demise. He successfully championed for growth of alternative justice systems justice initiatives in Nakuru County. Mr.Ogeto was the chairman of the Bondeni Community Policing Committee where he worked closely with various actors to ensure the community has access to justice. Defenders Coalition conveys solidarity, thoughts, and prayers to the family, friends, and human rights defenders community in Kenya as we mourn our Brother. May Comrade Ibrahim Ogeto’s Soul Rest in eternal peace.

Defenders Coalition which is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya is deeply concerned over the illegal arrest and detention of Amina Hussein Kullo, a Woman Human Rights Defenders who was arrested together with her 3 year old baby on the 10th of May 2023 and handed punitive bail terms of KES.1.5 Million or a bond of KES.2 Million.

Amina was assaulted, arrested and charged with 7 counts of trumped-up charges ranging from inciting violence, assaulting heavily armed male police officers and stealing 350 bags of cement from Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) offices. This was after community members in Korbesa protested against the forceful acquisition of community land and construction of NRT offices on unregistered community land without community engagement despite there being a petition challenging the acquisition of the community property at the Environment and Lands Court.

Other paralegals are also facing imminent threats of arrest from security agents who are in partnership with NRT and have been issued with summons to appear before the county commissioner office. The Defender’s Coalition is concerned over this atrocious violation of human rights in Merti and the threats and intimidation of Human Rights Defenders within the region and therefore calls for the following:

1. We call upon all Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society Actors to raise awareness of the matter and demand for the immediate release of the WHRD Amina Hussein.
2. We call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to unconditionally drop the malicious and trumped-up charges against WHRD Amina Hussein.
3. We also call upon the security officials in Merti sub county, Isiolo, to follow the rule of law and protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens.
4. We call upon the Judiciary to dismiss the punitive bail terms of Kenya shillings 1.5 Million or bond of KES 2 Million and cease from being weaponized to intimidate the work of Human Rights Defenders.

Read more about the story here https://www.whispersnorth.com/defenders-coalition-calls-for-release-of-amina-hussein-following-clashes-with-nrt/

https://www.oaklandinstitute.org/latest-community-protest-nrt-violent-crackdown

27 March, Nairobi

The right to assemble, protest, picket and petition is enshrined under Article 37 of our Constitution. Other rights including the freedom of expression, media, public participation, and the right to security of the person underpin it. The right to protest played a powerful and transformative part in the democratisation and constitutionalism process that has enshrined equality, equity, non-discrimination, constitutionalism, and human dignity.

Very regrettably, the failure to create a conducive environment for the March 20 Azimio la Umoja rally created the conditions for the violence, death and destruction of property. This and the several acts of misinformation and disinformation by several actors, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have added to the confusion.

We are very concerned by yesterday’s statement by Police Inspector General Japhet Koome that seeks to threaten protesters, criminalise and illegally ban all protests. We remind the IG he publicly swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and is obligated to respect, protect and fulfil all human rights, including the right to protest.

The IG must ensure that all police officers deployed in tomorrow’s operation publicly display their badges and be in uniform. All Police Officers are individually and collectively guided by the recent High Court judgement outlawing the use of lethal force unless when acting in self defence, preventing an imminent threat to life or serious injury to others, not merely in the protection of property. Under our law, both civilians and police officers breaking the law will be held individually responsible.

The police should liaise with assembly organisers to maintain law and order as well as independent agencies like IPOA, KNCHR and human rights organisations, to independently monitor the protests. Azimio la Umoja should also use protest marshals to ensure that all protests and processions follow laid-out plans. We remind the Police Service and IPOA that they, not assembly organisers, bear the primary responsibility for identifying violent protesters and violent police officers respectively.

We reiterate, only those who destroy, loot or steal property and assault others should fear arrests and prosecution. The right to public protest, demonstration, picketing and assembly is permissible under our law. We end by urging restraint on the part of the police, protesters and the public.

This statement is signed by members of the Police Reforms Working Group, an alliance of several organisations committed to professional and rule of law policing. They include the Social Justice Centres Working Group, International Justice Mission, Independent Medical Legal Unit, Katiba Institute, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Defenders Coalition, Haki Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, International Centre for Transitional Justice, The Kenyan Section of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Usalama Reforms Forum, Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA-K) Legal Resources Foundation, Transparency International Kenya, Shield For Justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Peace Brigades International and Katiba Institute.

CALL FOR APPLICATION TRAINERS OF TRAINERS (TOT) WORKSHOP TRAINING IN ADVOCACYDEADLINE 16TH APRIL 2023

Fill the Application Form Here.

A. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The history of human rights in Kenya has remained a huge concern with authorities failing to ensure accountability for serious human rights abuses. Kenya has a long history of violent elections and mass human rights violations. The just-concluded 2022 general elections saw the former deputy president, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, elected as president with 50.5% of the vote. With a new government in place, the situation of human rights changes too because each government comes with a different agenda and different ways of engaging with stakeholders which in turn gives the need for strengthened advocacy to ensure that there is rule of law and good governance.

Kenya through its 2010 Constitution now has 47 county governments in place, meaning each county is governed by a governor who is in charge of the county. Through this system, there have been a lot of human rights issues have played out that include corruption, bad governance, and extrajudicial executions both at the county level and National level which then calls for increased advocacy on issues of Human Rights. Advocacy enables Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) to champion accountability when human rights violations occur.

Through advocacy, HRDs are able to foster a sense of community solidarity in order to promote their cause to the wider public as well as are able to identify and target key stakeholders with the aim to achieve concrete and long-term change. HRDs advocate for a human rights-based approach when dealing with all forms of discrimination so that they can be prevented or eliminated and ultimately achieve justice and accountability.

It is against this backdrop that the Defenders Coalition in partnership with DefendDefenders and Amnesty International (HURICAP), under the Power of Voices: Strengthening Civil Courage Alliance will conduct a five day, trainers of trainers (TOT) in advocacy to enhance the capacities of human rights defenders on how to engage with mechanisms as well as improve their drafting and writing skills.

B. DATES

The training for the trainers of trainers training will be conducted from 8th May 2023 to 12th May 2023 at a venue to be communicated at a later date. The Call for application is open to HRDs from all 47 counties of Kenya working on all thematic human rights themes with a key focus on Advocacy.

C. SELECTION CRITERIA

For one to participate in this training one has to meet the following requirements;

• One has to be affiliated with a human rights organization.
• On has to be involved in advocacy work that includes interacting with national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms.
• Defenders Coalition will prioritize applicants who have not undergone similar extensive training before
• Geographical location: Our aim is to select a diverse group who can provide an array of perspectives and share experiences. Applying individuals must be based in Kenya from the 47 counties and should mainly be carrying out human rights work.
• The participant should be able to express themselves freely in English or KiswahiLI.

D. BENEFITS

• The participants will be able to acquire and enhance their knowledge and skills on national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.
• The participants will be able to network with their peers working on advocacY.

E. APPLICATION

Selection for the training workshop is highly competitive. We encourage you to apply early and put your best foot forward.

Phase 1: Fill out this application form by 16th April 2023

Phase 2: Selection

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Phase 3: Preparation for the training

If you are selected to attend the training workshop you must demonstrate availability for the period as well as your ability to learn.

Fill the Application Form Here.

STATEMENT TO CALL FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE DEATH OF HUMA

RIGHTS DEFENDER DR. GODFREY ONYANGO

Defenders Coalition which is the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya is shocked with the recent death of human rights defender Dr. Godfrey Onyango on Friday 24 March 2023 at his home in Nakuru. As we condole with the family, we call for immediate thorough and credible investigation  by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with timely publication of the findings.

Dr. Onyango was the chairman of the Justice and Environment Foundation based in Nakuru and was actively involved in seeking justice for sexual abuse victims who are current and previous employees of two leading multinational companies in Kericho and Bomet Counties.

Happening at a time when there has been active efforts to scuttle efforts to seek justice for victims of sexual abuse and Dr. Onyango having expressed reluctance to be quoted in one of the investigative stories by a  local daily in Kenya point to the threats he likely received that require consideration during the investigations.

Defenders Coalition is concerned that the safety of human rights defenders has deteriorated over the last five years including through killing where  investigations on the murders of human rights defenders rarely resulted in arrests or conviction. For instance, In July 2021, Joannah Stutchbury a 67-year-old environmentalist who was defending Kiambu Forest from encroachment by private developers was shot dead outside her home in Kiambu but no one has ever been arrested. In January 2022, environmentalist Elizabeth Ekaru was stabbed to death in Isiolo. In this matter, the case is ongoing in Meru Law Courts.

Dear Friends, Supporters, Comrades, Colleagues and Partners,

Download and fill the supplier form here

PRE-QUALIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS

Applications are invited from eligible bidders for the supply and delivery of the following items for the financial years 2023- 2025

All existing suppliers are required to participate alongside prospective suppliers in order to be evaluated and considered.

Applicants should fill the Defenders Coalition supplier Details Form and submit to procurement@defenderscoalition.org with the service description as the subject heading.

Applications should be submitted by 27th  March 2023

Download and fill the supplier form here