Entries open for the Human Rights Defenders Awards (Kenya)

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.

Objectives

• The objectives of these awards are to:
  • Honor the extraordinary work of HRDs in the promotion and protection of human rights.
  • Positively 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.

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

Funding Information

• 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 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.
• 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.

For more information, visit Defenders Coalition.