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INTRODUCTION

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 protections 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 fifth edition of the HRD Awards on the 26^th of November 2021. The aim of the ceremony is to honor and publicly recognize the important work of HRDs in Kenya, by giving out awards to men and women who have demonstrated courage, innovation 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, the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year Award.

THE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of these awards are to:

1. Honor the extraordinary work of HRDs in the promotion and protection of human rights;
2. Profile the work of HRDs and the challenges they face as agents of social change and transformation;
3. Recognize 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.
5. Recognize innovation in engaging with human rights work

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 in Kenya (also referred to as Defenders Coalition) and other partners. This call outlines the criteria for eligibility for nomination. Individual HRDs can be nominated in the three categories.

• Shortlisting:

A panel comprised of 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:

The panel verifies the HRD’s 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, 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 26^th of November 2021 in the presence of CSOs, the UN, the government, selected HRDs, representatives from the international missions, and the media who will cover the event.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following will be taken into consideration:

• Demonstrable impact of the HRD’s human rights work to the community.
• The role of the HRD in promoting human rights, especially the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups
• Courage of the HRD in his/her human rights work
• Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity in his/her human rights work
• Contribution to development of a human rights-based approach within his/her county with regards to the thematic area of focus
• Future goals and likely impact
• HRD’s acceptance on the universality of human rights
• 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

AWARD 

• Three 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.

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 2022

WITHDRAWAL OF AN AWARD

The Selection Panel can revoke an award given to past winners if they violate human rights or go against the selection criteria of the HRDs Awards after being awarded.

To nominate your favorite HRD, download the nomination form here

OR Nominate them online here

All nomination forms should be sent back to the Defenders Coalition via advocacy@defenderscoalition.org with a clear subject line “HRD AWARD NOMINATION” by the 31^st  of July 2021, 11.59 P.M

Nominate a HRD now