Peace Brigades International UK

🌟 Exciting Update! 🌟 🎉 Last Friday, we proudly launched our new manual "Wellbeing, Self-Care, and Integrated Security (WESIS) Manual for Human Rights #Defenders 2023" in #Burmese, #Khmer, #Tagalog, and #English! We had an accompanying workshop with a dedicated group of #HRDs from across the #SoutheastAsia region. However, due to security reasons, we won’t be sharing photos of all the incredible people, but the energy and commitment in the room were palpable! This manual is essential because we know that when defenders are fighting for their rights more often than not they are experiencing great personal cost in the name of what they believe in. Women human rights defenders (#WHRDs) and #LGBTQI+ defenders face specific challenges in their work and finding appropriate tools for healing. The #defenders who assisted in the creation of the manual and participated during the session highlighted the importance of #selfcare in #humanrights work: “If you don’t take care of yourself as an #activist, you can’t stay strong and support your community.” What makes the #WESIS manual unique?: ✅ It's not prescriptive, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to various community contexts. ✅ It isn't just text on paper it is a powerful tool to foster a community of practice. ✅ It isn't showing only one version of self-care but a diverse range of tools, enabling individuals to choose what resonates best with them. Together, we’re building resilience and supporting one another in our vital work. Thank you to all who contributed to this project including the Institute for Women's Empowerment (IWE) #Indonesia! 🗒 Please read and share the full WESIS Manual here: https://lnkd.in/d4j8SD93 #Activism #Wellbeing #CommunityHealing #SelfCare #Protection #Intersectional

🚨 EVENT ALERT 🚨 : 🇳🇵 Join us as the Independent Delegation of International Lawyers present the findings of their fact-finding mission to #Nepal. The panel discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A as well as food and drinks to enjoy. ⏰ When: Thursday, 24 October 2024, 4:45pm BST 📍 Where:  Doughty Street Chambers (54 Doughty Street London WC1N 2LS) and Online ⚖ What: Nepali human rights #activists and international human rights lawyers will share the findings of their recent trip to Nepal, launching an in-depth #report into the opportunities and challenges for #transitionaljustice in a country which finds itself at a crossroads following years of #impunity. This is a unique opportunity to hear from #defenders almost two decades on from the civil war, what does this mean for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in the country today? And can there be a lasting #peace without #justice? 📣 RSVP HERE!: https://lnkd.in/dH52kxtk We are delighted to welcome to London from Nepal: 🔵 Mandira Sharma: Co-Founder of Advocacy Forum Nepal and Senior Legal Advisor at the International Commission of Jurists 🔵 Gita Rasaili: Vice-Chairperson for Kathmandu at the Women Conflict Victims National Network (CVWN) They will be joined on the panel by: 🔵 Aswini Weereratne KC: Barrister and Former Vice Chair at Doughty Street Chambers 🔵 Ben Leather, Director, Peace Brigades International (PBI) UK 🔵 Camila Zapata Besso: Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers 🔵 Haydée Dijkstal: Barrister at 33 Bedford Row and Executive Member of the Bar Human Rights Committee for England and Wales 📒 Learn more about the Nepal delegation here: https://lnkd.in/e3majd5h

PBI is devastated by the news of the murder of environmental defender Juan López in #Honduras. The #Guapinol defenders have faced persistent violent reprisals for years - their security and accountability for this killing should be a priority for the government. More: https://lnkd.in/eVJEr5RJ

📢 Today we celebrate the International Day Of Democracy 🌎 🗳️We invite you to reflect on the journey of democracy and the critical role played by Human Rights Defenders, the international community, civil society, and individuals in making it a reality for everyone🗳️ 💥 At PBI, we deeply acknowledge and honour the extraordinary work of the Human Rights Defenders who are  tirelessly advocating for democracy and the rule of law.  We stand in solidarity with their ongoing efforts to fight impunity and corruption within governments, ensuring justice is accessible to all 💥 🌍This is an especially important year with over 50 countries, including Mexico and Indonesia, holding elections, representing half of the global population🌍 💫Let us use this day as an opportunity to amplify the voices of Human Rights Defenders and to emphasise the need to protect free speech, civil liberties, and the rule of law💫

Our latest report reveals a grim reality: 196 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2023 alone. These appalling figures are part of a larger global pattern of repression, where brave individuals often pay the ultimate price for protecting our planet. 🗺️ The UK is not exempt. One chapter of our report examines the criminalisation of climate protestors, a tactic of repression gaining ground across Europe and the US. Recent months have seen courts across the UK imposing some of the harshest penalties for peaceful climate protest in British history, even as its prison system buckles from the pressure. As Ben Leather from Peace Brigades International highlights, there are concrete actions the UK government can take to help curb this crisis. Here are three essential steps: 🔵Reverse draconian anti-protest laws introduced by the previous government, which have significantly curtailed the right to peaceful protest. 🔵Develop effective diplomatic strategies to safeguard activists, while creating robust protection mechanisms for those facing severe threats. 🔵Recognise and support land, environmental, and human rights defenders as critical partners in combating climate breakdown. Equip them with the resources and tools they need to continue their vital work. The fight for a just, safe and healthy planetary future depends on protecting those who defend it. The UK must step up. https://lnkd.in/eGbD9x2e

"Throughout history, human rights defenders have been the catalysts for change in their communities, their countries, and globally. If their voices are silenced and their lives threatened, then the entire progressive movement is hamstrung". PBI UK Director Ben Leather on how Keir Starmer and David Lammy need to step up where the last government didn't - engaging and protecting civil society to advance their foreign and climate policy goals. https://lnkd.in/eiTNzZiE

At least 196 land and environmental defenders were murdered in 2023, with over 1500 reported violations against human rights defenders. The new government must step up to protect them. Ben Leather from Peace Brigades International UK tells us more https://lnkd.in/ekrWn2ri

"The new government must step up in the fight to protect front line defenders" After Global Witness evidenced widespread killings and criminalisation of land & environmental defenders, our Director Ben Leather writes about why it’s in the UK Government’s interests to engage, support & protect civil society. https://lnkd.in/ekrWn2ri

Urgent findings from a new report by Global Witness released today: 🔴 In 2023 alone, 196 land and environmental defenders were tragically killed while protecting their communities and natural resources. 🔴 Almost 1 in 5 of these documented killings occurred in Central America, a region where environmental defenders face immense risks and threats to their lives. 🔴 Criminalisation is emerging as one of the most dangerous strategies used to weaken environmental and land defenders worldwide. The UK is an example of its application. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent lives lost, communities impacted, and ongoing struggles for justice. It is time to act, #DefendDefenders, and hold those responsible accountable. Learn more about this urgent crisis and what you can do to help: https://lnkd.in/eHUXcsA7 #environmentaljustice #humanrights

Chambers is proud to be co-sponsoring this launch event where a delegation of international human rights lawyers will share their findings and recommendations on issues of access to justice and transitional justice in Nepal following the delegation’s fact-finding mission to Nepal in March 2024. 33 Bedford Row's Haydée Dijkstal was part of a delegation which travelled to Nepal and which drafted the report to be launched.   To attend the event, either in-person or remotely, on 24 October 2024, please register at the link below. #InternationalHumanRights #TransitionalJustice #Nepal