Defenders working for peace, justice & the rule of law
Defenders working for peace, justice and the rule of law help build, protect and strengthen the institutions that allow democracy to flourish and safeguard human rights. We create the security and space they need to build a safer and fairer world.
Whether working on emblematic cases of injustice or advocating for systemic change, these activists are on a collision course with vested interests benefiting from the status quo. PBI’s proven protection strategies and tools allow these defenders to catalyse effective transitions to peace and the development of laws and mechanisms that give effect to international human rights obligations.
Case study: the lingering shadows of enforced disappearances in Guatemala
Luz Leticia Hernández Agustin was captured and disappeared by state security forces on 22 November 1982. It is feared that she was a victim of torture and extrajudicial execution at the age of 25.
Her family has been searching tirelessly for her ever since. Along the way, they have met other families who, like them, experienced the forced disappearance of a loved one. Relatives founded the Mutual Support Group (GAM) in 1984. In the same year, PBI offered their house for the weekly meetings of the group and GAM became PBI’s first accompanied collective.
PBI’s very visible and public presence in accompanying Luz Leticia’s family led to the first statement hearings for her case. The hearings had been cancelled several times in the previous six months before PBI’s accompaniment.
In January 2021, the case entered the procedural phase. The main suspect is Juan Francisco Cifuentes Cano, former commander of the Special Operations and Reactions Battalion. In 2023, he was indicted for the crime of the forced disappearance of Luz Leticia, as well as crimes against humanity.
Sisters Marta and Mirtala and mother Valentina seek justice for the disappearance of Luz Leticia, Guatemala.
THe facts
1,000+
Over 1,000 human rights defenders accompanied by PBI advocate for peace, justice, and the rule of law globally.
71.9%
Percentage of defenders working for peace, justice, and the rule of law for whom impunity and criminalisation is a top issue.
2,000+
During 2023, over 2,000 people attended PBI workshops and events on peace, justice, and the rule of law.
latest news
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In Conversation With Sebastián Escobar Uribe
His work as a human rights lawyer in Colombia working towards justice for victims of the armed conflict.
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The Impact of International Legal Delegations
Strengthening human rights in Guatemala and Nepal.
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In Conversation with Mandira Sharma
Her work as a lawyer and human rights defender for justice in Nepal.
