Peace Brigades International

Peace Brigades International — Our GLOBAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 IS HERE!

martha.garcia — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:35:47 +0000

Peace Brigades International — Our GLOBAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 IS HERE!

This week, we’re celebrating a new chapter in Peace Brigades International’s journey.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new global strategic plan: Defending the Future (2025–2030) — a vision rooted in solidarity, courage, and the belief that peace is only possible when human rights are protected.

Across the world, human rights defenders are standing up for justice, equality, the environment, and peace — and PBI is walking alongside them. Our new global strategy outlines a shared vision for 2025–2030: to protect those who protect others and to strengthen the global movement.

Building on 40 years of solidarity

Through this new plan, PBI will:

🌐 Sustain and scale up our holistic protective accompaniment of defenders, including in new geographies.
🤝 Work with allies to enhance deterrence and prevent perpetrators from attacking activists.
👥 Strengthen the global movement by bringing defenders together to share strategies and learnings.
💭 Share our resources, providing defenders with the tools, tactics, and capacity to keep themselves safe and strong.
✊ Strengthen our internal processes, fostering efficiency and promoting care.

“When people are protected, communities can thrive — and peace becomes possible.”

👉🏻 Explore our global vision

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martha.garcia Wed, 11/12/2025 - 10:35

Together We Rise

martha.garcia — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Together We Rise

In 2024, we stood shoulder to shoulder with people defending life, land and justice. From those searching for truth and justice in Colombia to environmental campaigners in Kenya, our volunteers, staff and partners helped keep communities safe, raise alarms where it matters, and push for lasting change.

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The Impact at a Glance: 2024 in Numbers

✊ 3,900+ defenders accompanied
👥 307,480 people protected
🪴 1,236 communities supported
🤝 83 collectives strengthened
🕊️ 291 volunteers (including 70 protection volunteers)
🌍 98 staff across 20 teams
📋 Staff and volunteers from 38 countries across the world
🌐 420,248 people reached through all our work (advocacy, training and capacity building, events and awareness activities)

“Having PBI present has provided a strong sense of security and solidarity.”

— Lance Mbani, Program Officer, CJGEA, Kenya

Protection in practice

How PBI protects defenders

Our approach is holistic. Trained volunteers provide visible, protective accompaniment; we support digital and psychological security; we observe, document and report abuses; and we connect defenders with national and international decision-makers. These layers together make it safer for people to continue essential work.

A world-first law and a major policy victory

What solidarity made possible in 2024–25

In June 2024, Colombia took a historic step. Law 2364 was signed — the world’s first law recognising and protecting the women who search for people who have disappeared during conflict. This milestone came after years of tireless work by women-led groups and the sustained accompaniment and international advocacy of organisations including PBI. Yanette Bautista — who began searching for her sister and went on to found the Nydia Erika Bautista Foundation — played a central role. Her determination helped carry the issue from local searches to the chambers of Congress.

Meanwhile, a second landmark victory in January 2025 underlined the power of community action. Following sustained campaigning and legal and civic pressure, Kenya’s Cabinet dissolved the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), halting a controversial nuclear programme that threatened coastal communities and protected ecosystems around Kilifi. Local campaigners, led by the Centre for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA) with protective accompaniment and solidarity from PBI, pushed the debate into national view, arguing for renewable, just energy solutions instead.

Why it matters: Legislative change and policy shifts protect people and their environments for generations. These wins are practical proof that protection plus advocacy can change laws, halt destructive projects, and affirm communities’ rights.

Highlights from the year include:

Colombia – The passing of Law 2364, the world’s first to recognise and protect women searching for the disappeared.

Kenya – Communities successfully halted plans for a destructive nuclear power plant on community land, choosing renewable futures instead.

Nepal & Guatemala – Defenders secured new legal reforms advancing peace and transitional justice.Behind these milestones are people — women defenders, Indigenous leaders, environmental activists — whose courage inspires us all.

“PBI has saved lives in our country… The protective accompaniment, the human connection that PBI gives us is fundamental to our work.”

— Mildrey Corrales Charry, Human Rights Defender and Technical Secretariat, Coordination of Colombia Europe and United States

Read our Global Annual Review 2024

Thank you

To everyone who donated, shared, or volunteered — thank you for being part of this global community 💚

Your support has enabled us to provide protective presence, legal accompaniment, psycho-emotional support, and advocacy to thousands of people around the world. Get involved, make a gift, or read more of what we do!

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Our Work

Together, we rise — for justice, for peace, for each other.

martha.garcia Tue, 10/28/2025 - 00:00

Peace Brigades International stands in solidarity with peaceful protesters in Nepal demanding justice.

martha.garcia — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:57:22 +0000

Peace Brigades International stands in solidarity with peaceful protesters in Nepal demanding justice.

We are deeply concerned by the excessive and unlawful use of force by security forces during recent demonstrations. At least 27 people – including youth – have lost their lives, and hundreds have been injured. The use of lethal force not only violates international law but also undermines the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and protest. These events highlight the urgent need for the Nepalese authorities to comply with their international human rights obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The protests, largely led by “Gen Z,” were fueled by public anger over corruption, nepotism, and lack of accountability, and were further triggered by the government’s attempt to enforce a sweeping ban on social media platforms. Following a mass demonstration, the ban has now been lifted. In the wake of the violence, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, compensation for victims’ families was announced, and an investigative commission was formed with a 15-day mandate to report on the events, which now looks unclear due to the transition. Authorities also imposed curfews in several parts of the country, including Kathmandu, Birgunj, Butwal, Pokhara, Itahari, and Damak, and the Nepalese army has now taken command for the security of the nation with the deployment of a huge number of soldiers all over the nation to contain unrest.

We call on the Nepalese government to:

Exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Ensure the safety and protection of all citizens.
Guarantee full accountability through a credible, independent investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Engage in meaningful, inclusive dialogue with civil society, the media, and especially with young voices to address underlying grievances.
Safeguard freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the rule of law in line with Nepal’s Constitution and international obligations.

We reaffirm our support for all those committed to defending fundamental freedoms, justice, and human rights in Nepal. Their voices are vital to a vibrant democracy, and we stand with them in solidarity.

martha.garcia Wed, 09/10/2025 - 10:57

Rewriting the Rules: One Advocate’s Battle Against FGM and Abuse in Kilifi.

pbikenya-advocacy — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:52:31 +0000

Rewriting the Rules: One Advocate’s Battle Against FGM and Abuse in Kilifi.

In the vibrant yet traditional community of Kilifi, Ruweida Muhammad, Executive Director of Desire Youth Initiative, is spearheading a quiet but powerful revolution. Growing up in an area where harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) were not just accepted but celebrated, Ruweida’s journey from a silent observer to a vocal advocate has been marked by both resistance and resilience.

“I advocate for freedom from violence against women and girls in Kilifi, as well as for sexual and reproductive health rights,” says Ruweida, who has been at the forefront of Kenya’s fight against femicide. Her work empowers communities with knowledge about the right pathways for reporting abuse and seeking justice—a critical need in a region where cultural norms often silence victims.

FGM is deeply ingrained in parts of Kilifi, seen as a rite of passage to control girls’ purity. “In our culture, if you haven’t gone through the knife, you’re considered dirty,” Ruweida explains. She combats this by educating women on FGM’s dangers, sharing harrowing stories like her cousin’s near-fatal childbirth. “I come from this community. They trust me because I understand the practice’s impact,” she says.

Her strategy blends education and legal warnings—a “carrot and stick” approach that has shifted attitudes. Yet her boldness comes at a cost: threats, shunning, and even family pressure to stop. “A Muslim woman, especially unmarried, isn’t expected to challenge traditions,” she admits. But with security training from Peace Brigades International (PBI), she continues her protests, like the recent anti-femicide demonstrations in Kilifi. “When a local femicide case emerged, I knew we had to act,” she recalls.

Beyond FGM, Ruweida tackles transactional sex, defilement, and systemic barriers to justice. She recalls a 13-year-old girl starved by her uncle into sexual compliance while her mother worked abroad. “Chiefs often handle such cases ‘quietly,’ but I demand accountability,” she says. When the government proposed taxing sanitary pads, she mobilized opposition, arguing it would reverse progress for girls’ health and dignity.

Her journey hasn’t been easy. Early on, fear of backlash made her hesitant. But through networks like PBI, she found courage. “Meeting other Muslim women human rights defenders showed me I wasn’t alone,” she says. Today, mosques welcome her reproductive health talks, and community leaders increasingly support her. “Female politicians are rare here—most seats go to men,” she notes. Yet Ruweida’s persistence is changing minds.

In a society that silences women, Ruweida Muhammad’s leadership is transformative. From FGM to femicide, she challenges injustices with education, legal action, and unshakable resolve—paving the way for Kilifi’s women and girls to claim their rights and futures.

pbikenya-advocacy Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:52

Uyombo: A Community’s Fight for Land and Life

pbikenya-advocacy — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:30:10 +0000

Uyombo: A Community’s Fight for Land and Life

In the heart of Kenya’s coastal splendor lies Uyombo, a gem of Kilifi County, where the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waves meet pristine white sands. This serene enclave, flanked by the Watamu National Marine Park and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, is a haven of natural beauty, attracting tourists with its lush coconut palms, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant wildlife. Yet, beneath its tranquil surface, Uyombo is embroiled in a fierce battle to protect its land from a looming threat: the proposed construction of Kenya’s first nuclear power plant.

Uyombo’s coastline is more than just a picturesque backdrop for holidaymakers; it is a vital part of the region’s ecological and economic fabric. The coral reefs that stretch along the shore are teeming with marine life, from the dazzling colors of ornamental fish to the majestic presence of whale sharks. The nearby Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, adds to the area’s rich biodiversity, sheltering countless species of birds, insects, and rare plants. This forest is a critical component of the region’s ecosystem, offering a sanctuary for wildlife and serving as a buffer against climate change.

The proposed nuclear power plant, announced in August 2020, represents a dramatic shift in Kenya’s energy strategy. The government aims to use nuclear energy to address the growing demand for power, reduce reliance on hydroelectric sources, and lower carbon emissions. With a projected capacity of 4,000 megawatts, the plant is intended to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s energy future. However, the decision to site the plant in Uyombo has ignited intense opposition from local residents and environmental advocates, who fear that the project will irrevocably damage their home and livelihoods.

For the people of Uyombo, the fight to protect their land is not just an environmental struggle; it is a deeply personal battle. The community’s connection to their land is profound, intertwined with their daily lives and cultural heritage. The pristine beaches and lush forests are more than natural assets; they are symbols of the community’s identity and sources of sustenance.

The resistance to the nuclear plant began with growing concerns about the project’s environmental impact. Locals feared that the construction of such a facility would lead to the destruction of vital coral reefs and mangrove forests, which play a crucial role in maintaining the area’s ecological balance. The potential risks associated with nuclear energy, including the handling of radioactive materials and the threat of accidents, further heightened their anxieties.

The opposition to the nuclear plant was initially expressed through peaceful protests and petitions. However, as the project advanced, tensions escalated dramatically. On June 21, the situation reached a breaking point. That day, residents noticed unusual activity near Uyombo Girls Secondary School, where workers were clearing land for what was said to be a weather station. Suspicion quickly spread that the activity was a prelude to the nuclear plant’s construction.

The community’s concerns were met with increasing hostility. Residents gathered to question the workers and demand clarity about the purpose of the land clearing. In response, the authorities deployed police officers, and what began as a peaceful inquiry quickly turned into a violent confrontation. The arrival of the police marked the beginning of a tragic episode that would leave deep scars on the community.

Linet Rehema, a mother of five, found herself at the center of this brutal clash. On that fateful day, Rehema had been going about her usual chores, her youngest child securely strapped to her back. When the police arrived, she joined her fellow residents in confronting the workers and questioning their motives. What followed was a scene of chaos and violence.

As tensions mounted, the police began to assault the protesters. Rehema described the horrific moment when she and her child were caught in the fray. Despite her efforts to shield her baby from harm, she was struck by a police officer wielding a club. The brutal attack left her severely injured, with her child precariously exposed as she struggled to protect them. The officer’s blows were relentless, causing Rehema excruciating pain and fear for her child’s safety.

In the chaos, Rehema fell to the ground, her arm broken from the impact of the blows. Her injuries were not just physical; they were emblematic of the broader trauma experienced by the community. The violent response from the authorities underscored the deep divide between the government’s development goals and the local community’s right to protect their environment and way of life.

The brutality faced by Rehema and others is a stark reminder of the personal sacrifices made in the fight against the nuclear power plant. For the residents of Uyombo, the struggle is about more than just preventing ecological damage; it is about defending their homes, their health, and their future. The nuclear plant represents an existential threat to their land, challenging their ability to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultural heritage.

The broader implications of the nuclear project have only intensified the community’s resolve. The construction of the plant would require significant amounts of water, potentially impacting local water resources and further straining the region’s environment. The fear of long-term environmental damage, combined with the immediate impact of the authorities’ crackdown, has galvanized the community into action.

As the project moves forward, the people of Uyombo continue to resist. They have formed alliances with conservationists and human rights advocates to amplify their voices and demand greater transparency and accountability from the government. The struggle is a testament to the resilience of a community that refuses to be silenced or displaced by the forces of industrial development.

In the face of overwhelming odds, Uyombo’s residents remain steadfast in their commitment to protect their land. Their fight is a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the right of communities to have a say in projects that impact their lives. The story of Uyombo is not just about a local struggle; it is a reflection of the global challenge of balancing development with conservation.

As Kenya navigates its energy future, the voices of Uyombo’s residents—echoing through the mangroves and across the coral reefs they strive to protect—serve as a stark reminder of the enduring connection between people and their natural environment.

pbikenya-advocacy Fri, 02/21/2025 - 09:30

Jani Silva: The Guardian of Colombia’s Amazonian Heart, Body, and Soul

yadira — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Jani Silva: The Guardian of Colombia’s Amazonian Heart, Body, and Soul

“One’s leadership should not be focused only on one part, but I believe that as leaders of women, we have to put ourselves in a framework that is to do good.” -Jani Silva

Introduction

Jani Silva was born in the heart of the Amazon, and from her birth she lived a life interconnected with nature but being at the center of one of the most prosperous jungles also means being at the epicenter of the dangers of the jungle —including the violence of climate change, fractured armed groups forcing the production of coca. In Colombia, Global Witness has recorded that 382 land defenders have lost their lives from 2012-2022 land defenders have been murdered for their work protecting the land and environment. In 2023, Front Line Defenders documented that out of the whole world the region of Latin America accounted for 79% of murders of defenders with Colombia leading as the most dangerous context. The Colombian civil society network Somos Defensores documented that only 5.2% of all killings have been legally resolved. Jani’s roots in the land are deep and expansive, allowing her to continue her work to protect the Amazon while facing tough battles to ensure a better future for her communities.

A Natural Leader

During her adolescence, Jani often accompanied her mother to social movement spaces in the community. She became a valued pillar of the community as one of the few individuals who could read and write well. Throughout the meetings, she heard the troubling stories of injustice happening in her community, pushing her to become more involved as she built relationships with various members. Her work like many defenders began informally but quickly she became the voice of the community reporting human rights abuses and mediating inter-personal relationships even placing herself in harm’s way to do so. Whether as a “rural inspector” responding to calls for help in even the most remote areas ensuring her community was safe was always her priority. Later as the President of the Association for the Integral Sustainable Development of the Perla Amazónica (ADISPA) carrying out the work of territorial management and education—Jani’s commitment to her community’s well-being is powerful.

Protecting Land and Community Against All Odds

In the late 1990s, the place that Jani Silva called home in Putumayo had become a complex intersection of the socio-political struggles of Colombia’s war on drugs. There were coca growers, large-scale fumigation and an increase in military presence which forced Jani’s community to take active steps towards protection; in their case a Peasant Farmer’s Zone. Jani led the way ensuring that each community was consulted in the ideological and technical formation of what would become the Perla Amazónica Peasant Reserve Zone (ZRCPA) at the end of 2000. Several accomplishments have come about due to ADISPA’s work including creating protection for wild animals, new hunting practices, and the dedication of each plot of cultivated land to conservation. Essentially it was a process of reimagination their relationship with nature and the ecosystem within their community. However, armed actors would see these changes in direct opposition to their extractive behaviours and ZRCPA and those involved began to receive threats.

Oil Expansion in the Region

With an increase in threats on the community from multiple angles many community members would be less active. Jani has previously said in interviews that this would cause many to be less active in community organizing in the early 2000s ultimately leaving room for oil companies to slowly encroach on their land. Additionally, it did seem there was an attempt to prevent the contamination of soil and water sources, they asked the companies to use existing oil wells and not to open new ones. However, this did not happen, and the anonymous threats returned when the communities made their first complaints however due to the complicated past it was hard for individuals to understand the prioritization of environmental safeguarding while others saw the oil companies as employers and development for the region. ZRCPA alleged that the company has not respected its commitment to repair the environmental damage caused and unauthorized expansion within ZRCPA.

Decades of Resilience

With over four decades of protecting environmental and human rights in Putumayo Jani has faced severe repercussions for her work. PBI has been accompanying her throughout her career and has built a strong relationship of which Jani remarked PBI’s impact, “when we have large events and PBI isn’t there I feel that I am unprotected.” She was an outspoken supporter of Colombia’s 2016 peace accords specifically in relation to crop substitution programs. In 2018, the IACHR requested precautionary protective measures for Jani as well other in her community. Jani is also under protection through the National Protection Unit under the Ministry of the Interior of Colombia but even these measures have not shielded her from being displaced. In July of 2021 after the Justice and Peace Commission who also accompanied Jani uncovered a plot to murder Jani an armed group. As recently as September of this year she received a phone call threatening to “blow you up, car and all.” These documented attacks along with all other threats caused psychological stress and harm including surveillance by the military and armed groups and intimidation by sounding gunshots near her home. Despite it all, she remains steadfast in her commitment to change.

Conclusion

Her decades of work and the risks she takes to protect her community, the land, and our shared planet have been recognized through nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. However, what gives her the most hope is the younger people in her own community who are embracing different ways of living. From integrating organic vegetable gardening or learning to not throw candy wrappers on the ground, the youth will be the ones leading the way. For Jani, it is incredibly important to acknowledge the past and to heal but she is looking forward to a better and brighter version of what the world could be.

Written by: Yadira Sánchez-Esparza

yadira Tue, 12/10/2024 - 08:00

Maritjie Kailey: Fighting for Justice for her Land and her People in Indonesia

yadira — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:40:51 +0000

Maritjie Kailey: Fighting for Justice for her Land and her People in Indonesia

From the Classroom to the Frontlines

In the Eastern side of the Indonesian Maluku Islands, a school teacher by day and human rights defender by night, Maritjie Kailey, has emerged as a beacon of hope against land grabbing and gender-based violence. Originating from the quaint town of Dobo, Maritjie’s journey with Peace Brigades International (PBI) began in early 2022, where she embarked on intensive training to learn security theory and protocols, further equipping her for the battles she would face ahead. What motivated this ordinary school teacher to become a beacon of change? Maritjie explains her deep connection with local NGOs, which she believes are an integral link between Indigenous people and global human rights defenders. These organizations help in building awareness about the pressing issues faced in her homeland. Her involvement with PBI, in particular, has aided her in her relentless fight for land rights, strengthening her connections to other organizations and fostering collective action against human rights infringements.

Fighting for Land Rights and against Human Trafficking

Maritjie’s homeland, Aru Island, Maluku, has been a hotbed of controversies. At the core are the rights of local people, whose land is continually threatened by large corporations and the government in an incessant bid for deforestation and establishing sugar plantations. Cases of human trafficking further aggravate the existing distress. In 2013, a significant victory was achieved when a case against land grabbers, intent on seizing 500 hectares of Aru Islands, was won at the national level. However, the fight against the Indonesian navy in 2021, which claimed 689 hectares in the South of Aru Islands for a naval base, remains an uphill battle. The threats to her homeland have evolved, and so too has Maritjie’s approach to addressing them. Harnessing the power of youth, she has encouraged a blend of peaceful demonstrations and art performances to inform Aru Island’s inhabitants about land-grabbing threats. This activism has attracted several NGOs who have joined hands to raise awareness and bring these issues to national and international forums.

Courage Amidst Adversity

The position of a human rights defender is not without its perils. Maritjie acknowledges the dual nature of her role, providing her with a platform to represent many while putting her and her family’s lives at risk. Stalked and surveilled by unknown entities, even her social media accounts haven’t been spared from intrusion. Despite the dangers, she remains undeterred, finding solace in the support of her father and her unwavering commitment to her cause.

PBI’s support has been instrumental in managing these threats. Their engagement with local NGOs, provision of safety training, and collaborative efforts with human rights defenders has made a significant impact. Maritjie speaks of her speaking tour in Europe, managed by PBI, where she presented her cases to the European Parliament and connected with several NGOs. Her family has expressed feelings of being burdened by her choices, especially those members working for the government. She is also worried about the continuation of land grabs, fearing the loss of her beloved village. Additionally, her role as a teacher comes with its challenges, managing negative sentiments from some students and their parents. Yet, amid the adversities, Maritjie remains motivated, drawing inspiration from her father’s words, “When you start something you have to finish it, if you don’t, it means you failed.” To her and the people of Aru Island, the land is their mother. Protecting it is synonymous with preserving their culture, tradition, and wildlife. It’s a battle she is willing to fight for as long as it takes.

Conclusion

Maritjie Kailey, a beacon of hope in East Maluku, serves as a reminder that in the face of adversity, it’s possible to rise above and make a difference. Her story underscores the importance of protecting human rights and the planet, underlining the power of collective action and perseverance. As she continues to champion the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Aru Island, her spirit stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the undying pursuit of justice.

Written by: PBI Volunteer

yadira Mon, 12/09/2024 - 14:40

Yuli Velásquez: Colombia’s Amphibious Defender Stands with her Community

yadira — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:48:45 +0000

Yuli Velásquez: Colombia’s Amphibious Defender Stands with her Community

“No one pays you to be a leader, you do it for vocation. But being a leader allows you to save lives, save water sources, save the flowers and plants so we are content because we look around and see all we have saved.”
- Yuli Velázquez

Introduction

Water defender Yuli Velásquez is fighting for the protection of clean water to ensure a future for the animals, the plants, and her community, in Colombia, that also means fighting for her own life. In 2022, Colombia was once again reported to be the most dangerous country in the world for environmental defenders for the subsequent year in a row with 60 leaders being murdered. Even globally 30% of all attacks against human rights defenders are related to extractivist sectors such as oil and mining. Yuli and the courageous women defenders continue their dedication to the environment despite all odds.

Formed by the Water

Yuli Velásquez grew up on the Magdalena River in the northwestern department of Santander, Colombia in one of the many communities whose lives are intertwined with the wetlands of San Silvestre. Yuli’s city of Barrancabermeja is a dangerous nexus between armed actors, extractivist companies and community members like her parents protecting the animals and water from pollution. Yuli was taught the responsibility of caring for the earth from her mother Yasmin, a prominent social leader and her stepfather a leader and fisherman murdered by paramilitaries for his work promoting the protection of the environment over profit. Despite the consistent struggle Yuli has seen an increase of pollutants in the water, dead manatees on the shores, and violence on the river banks.

Sinister Threats to the Environment

Yuli points to companies such as Ecopetrol, the largest gas company in Colombia, who have turned her region of Magdalena Medio into a landscape of oil extraction. As the health of the river communities weaken the suspected bonds between Ecopetrol and paramilitary groups are growing stronger. Now as the Director of the Federation of Artisanal, Environmental and Tourist Fishermen of Santander (Fedepesán) the organization leads on the protection of water sources in different plant and animal species as well as providing environmental education. Their responsibilities take them far into the isolated wetlands even at night to ensure they can accurately monitor waterlife. Before they were even unable to reach certain parts of the wetlands because armed identified individuals patrol the waterways. Yuli says now with the presence and support of PBI and CREDHOS the aggressors see the PBI’s green vests and ask “who are they?” and “where are they from?” — they know the international community is watching.

The Faces of Violence

Throughout the accompaniment of Credhos, PBI has been at their side in various circumstances because of the high risk they face; Yuli for example has spoken publicly about corruption among local actors such as the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Santander and the Unión Temporal San Silvestre. The reaction has been intense and violent: to date there have been no less than three attempts on her life by armed actors. Women doing this work are especially vulnerable, as they often face even more intimidating situations than men. This not only damages Yuli’s credibility, but creates fear, making community members afraid to publicly show their support knowing the consequences.

Women doing this work face differential risks, both as defenders and as women. The repressive strategies put in place i’m not only to intimidate but also to damage the credibility of women defenders and leaders like Yuli; a direct consequence is the creation of fear and rupture of the social fabric, which makes community members afraid to publicly show their support for fear of reprisals. Yuli says that in private conversations many support her but tell her “look at everything that has happened to you, if we talk, the same thing will happen to us”. She understands their resistance, but stands firm in her assertion that they are a stronger community when they are vocal against injustices, despite having to constantly look over their shoulder.

Future Generations of Water Defenders

Yuli describes that younger generations aren’t as interested in connecting with nature due to the negative stigmatization about joining the movement to save the environment. Even her children at one point asked to leave Barrancabermeja in search of a safer life–an impossible ask. Instead, she took them along with her to participate more in the work and they gained a deeper respect for their mother’s and their role in protecting the water. Building the inter-generational resistance is essential to protect themselves and the land. Yuli works in the community with individuals of all ages to show everyone can participate to protect the community. When the younger kids see a grandma still taking time to be part of the movement the children say “ if she can do it, what excuse do we have?” Groups of students come from the country’s capital universities of Bogota to learn from the communities about Colombia’s rich natural diversity and the need for them to stand up for water rights.

Conclusion

For Yuli, protecting the water in the Magdalena Medio means more than just saving the ecosystem but to preserve the practices of artisanal fishing communities like theirs to practice for generations to come. In stressful moments she is comforted by the presence of PBI volunteers in her community. Yuli Velásquez serves as a reminder to all that being a land defender requires strongfast resilience, connected community and unrelenting hope that a better world is possible.

Escrito por: Yadira Sánchez-Esparza

yadira Fri, 12/06/2024 - 15:48

Concern at human rights violations in the context of the war in Ukraine and the escalation of the conflict

Hannah — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:51:16 +0000

Concern at human rights violations in the context of the war in Ukraine and the escalation of the conflict

“As an organization committed to peace, nonviolent conflict resolution and an end to militarization, we add our voice to those calling for an immediate end to this war.”

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded 1,761 civilian casualties (636 killed, 1,125 injured) in Ukraine from February 24 (when the russian aggression began) to March 13. The OHCHR has stated that it “believes that the real figures are considerably higher”.

The provision of military aid and the legitimization of a warmongering discourse are causes for extreme concern

Despite the call of the UN Secretary Antonio Guterres for the “immediate cessation of hostilities and serious negotiations based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law”, many countries have responded to the crisis by exporting weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, and promising to increase military spending. We are concerned that this initiative could perpetuate armed conflict and suffering for the civilian population worldwide. Likewise, we are concerned that under the slogan of “security”, countries and armies that perpetrate serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity are recognized as “important allies” of NATO.

In a scenario of international polarization, the stigmatization of pacificism is alarming

We deplore that over 14,000 anti-war protesters have been arrested in Russia since the war began. We also hold concerns around the March 4th passing of a new Russian law making anti-war demonstrations and independent reporting on the war and army illegal, with sentences of up to 15 years in prison. We are also troubled by the punishments applied by both Russia and Ukraine to conscientious objectors and fear for the situation of human rights defenders both in Ukraine and in Russia.

“From PBI we call on all parties, in particular political leaders and the media, to take extreme care in their language during public speeches, and in particular, to explore all possible diplomatic channels for the construction of peace.”

See PBI’s full statement here.

Hannah Tue, 03/29/2022 - 15:51

Las luchas de las mujeres defensoras en Kenia

Hannah — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:52:43 +0000

The struggles of women human rights defenders in Kenya

On the third of January this year, we woke up to the sad news of the murder of activist Elizabeth Ibrahim Ekaru (photo credit: Frontline Defenders). Elizabeth’s struggle was for the protection of women’s rights, environmental care and the protection of the earth.

Ekaru was stabbed to death in northern Kenya over a land dispute with a neighbour. The trial against her alleged killer took place on 25th January. However, the alleged killer pleaded “not guilty”. A retrial has been scheduled for March 1st of this year.

This is not an isolated case of violence against women human rights defenders in Kenya. On 15th July last year, Joannah Stutchburry, a defender of the Kiambu Forest, was murdered. So far no arrests have been made in connection with this crime.

In August, two environmental defenders and activists, Anastacia Nambo and Kavumbi Munga from Mombasa, received death threats while fighting against environmental pollution.

In the face of such events, the organisation has requested the government’s attention to seek justice for the murdered activists and, at the same time, to prevent such events from happening again. PBI accompanies the Kenyan defenders in their search for justice for the attacks against their colleagues, and also to ensure that they can continue their vital work despite the risk. For more information on PBI Kenya’s work, see their website.

Hannah Mon, 02/14/2022 - 19:00