Ngugi uses training and awards to mold activists

Kamau Ngugi not only cares about the welfare and safety of human rights defenders but also ensures upcoming activists in remote areas are trained on activism of the current times to ensure they are impactful.

Ngugi said equipping human rights defenders in emerging areas of activism is key. They include carbon credit mechanism and ecological justice, digital security, workings of the PBO Act and psychological wellness.

The executive director of Defenders Coalition said training activists and recognising their work is important in motivating them to push the lines.

Of all the work of the lobby, the five-day annual academy for the human rights defenders stands out.

This year’s academy that started on November 24 and ended on November 29 brought together 150 activists.

They explored topics such as use of technology, environmental justice, compliance as well as wellness.

From working in the background to mobilise legal support for arrested activists, raising medical support for the sick and injured during protests or securing release of those arrested, Ngugi’s heart is not just in the activism of the present, but also the future.

“We expand the scope of our competencies, especially as the young people have stepped forward to fight for their country. Understanding the new complex areas would better position human right defenders to effectively and impactfully fight for their communities,” he told the Star in an interview.

Ngugi said human rights defenders are uniquely positioned to promote environmental or climate justice, hence must fully understand it.

“Carbon credit is the new form of colonisation as we accede large swathes of our land to mostly foreign actors and in the process getting dispossessed. Grassroots human right defenders must be properly equipped on the workings of this mechanism to ensure they stand for their communities,” he said.

The academy is not just about learning as the budding activists network and explore different pathways of sustaining their work and get funding for potential partners.

“Looking ahead, the HRD academy holds immense potential for further growth and impact, expanding its reach, strengthening its network and providing robust support to those on the frontline of human rights advocacy, even as it continues to evolve in response to the ever-changing challenges faced by human rights defenders,” he said.

“As we look into the future, we aim to provide ongoing support, fostering an environment where HRDs can continue to enhance their skills, share knowledge and grow towards positive change.”

The organisation also hosts annual human rights awards to celebrate activists. This year’s fete was held at Danish Embassy on November 29.

Boniface Mwangi, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Safia were named human rights defenders of the year for their role in organising the Gen Z protests and caring for the arrested, injured, disappeared and killed.

The winners of the various categories are given $1,000 to boost their work. Ngugi said there is urgency in equipping and supporting human rights defenders.

“…. we have seen concerning spike in unlawful use of force, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings against citizens that question state abuse of power, endemic corruption and concerning state of the economy,” he said.