Commemoration of the World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

The Defenders Coalition marked the World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2023 through bringing Human Rights Defenders together for group debriefing activities.

The afternoon event attracted over 150 human rights defenders from across Nairobi and its environs such as Kiamaiko, Kariobangi, Mukuru and Mathare Social Justice Centres.

Four speakers shared their lived experiences with mental health and their journeys of resilience to overcome mental health challenges.

The need to support the debrief activity was because of the prevailing operating environment for HRDs. Documented challenges such as harassment, arrest, judicial persecution, assault, detention and sometimes, unfortunately, stigmatisation, surveillance, criminalization of their work, suppression, enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings are increasingly being considered to be the source of wellbeing concerns among HRDs.

Further, the forum served the purpose of increasing awareness on the state of their mental wellbeing services and available support mechanisms.

Mary Gitau, a Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Specialist noted that it is the little things in our lives that constitute our wellbeing. Beyond the need to do our work and realize justice for all, we must take care of ourselves. She emphasized that our impact can be felt much more when our wellbeing is a priority.”

The Executive Director of Defenders Coalition. Mr. Kamau Ngugi noted the need to decriminalise suicide.

“The existing legal framework makes it difficult for people with mental health issues to seek support. Reviewing the law to allow for open conversations on mental health and suicide will ultimately save lives,” Kamau noted.

Defenders Coalition is deliberately spearheading conversation on the wellbeing of HRDs in Kenya. We believe that HRDs who are social champions have a right to access unique wellbeing support due to the nature of human rights work in Kenya.