Civic space in Kenya continues to be under pressure as a range of actions are being directed against the work of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and Civil Society organizations in Kenya. Physical attacks, criminal and administrative actions, 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 Missions concerned with the protection of HRDs, is organizing the Tenth edition of the Human Rights Defenders Awards on 10th December 2025.
This year’s Awards 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.
The HRD Awards are presented in four categories:
- Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award
- Human Rights Defender of the Year award and
- The upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year award.
- Global Solidarity Award
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.
Please Note:
- 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 solely on demonstrated impact and achievement.
- The Working Group reserves the right to recall and/or revoke any Award given out to any recipient where in the even the recipient is found to have contravened the basic principles of human rights.
