Our year so far
PBI UK’s activities and impact
It has been an exciting start to the year for PBI UK, as we continue our work to protect and promote the work of human rights defenders. From hosting advocacy tours, to celebrating campaign wins, the first quarter has been full of important moments - and there’s much more to come.
However, this year has also brought challenges, including the US and UK governments' cuts to foreign aid, which could have serious consequences for the defenders PBI supports. We are closely monitoring global developments and exploring opportunities to fundraise creatively and scale up our work.
On a positive note, the Big Green Match Fund is coming up soon, offering a fantastic opportunity to maximise the impact of your donations. Keep reading to learn how!
Four Big Wins for Human Rights Defenders in 2025
Already in 2025, human rights defenders have achieved significant victories worldwide, demonstrating the power of grassroots activism and international solidarity. Here are four notable successes for groups supported by PBI:
Kenyan Community Halts Nuclear Power Plant: A successful community campaign led by the CJGEA managed to halt a nuclear power plant project that threatened local livelihoods. The win came despite police violence against protestors.
Mexico Legal Victory Against Illegal Mining: A court ruled that Fresnillo PLC owes the El Bajío community £526 million for unauthorised gold mining on communal land.
Colombian Defender Acquitted After 15 Years Of Criminalisation: David Rabelo Crespo had been unjustly convicted in 2010 for a murder committed by paramilitaries.
Honduran Businessman Sentenced For Organising The Murder Of Berta Cáceres: The Supreme Court confirmed the conviction of Sergio Rodriguez - manager of the hydropower company DESA - as ‘instigator’ of the of the environmentalist's murder.
These victories underscore the critical role of human rights defenders in advocating for justice, environmental protection, and the rights of marginalised communities.
Advocating alongside LGBTIQ+ and Women Human Rights Defenders
We had the privilege of carrying out a range of activities with Rebecca Odhiambo, Doris Kathia, and Alena Chekhovich. Rebecca and Doris are Kenyan feminist and LGBTIQ+ advocates, who are participating in the Scottish Human Rights Defender Fellowship, for which PBI is an Advisory Board member. Underfunding and reprisals threaten their vital work. Alena is a Belarusian lawyer in exile who previously worked on immigration detention alternatives.
During their visit, they engaged donors, diplomats and civil society, highlighting funding crises, healthcare barriers, and transnational repression. Their tour ended at Parliament, advocating for stronger UK government support ahead of International Women’s Day.
Celebrating International Women's Day: Honouring Women Human Rights Defenders
On 8 March we celebrated International Women's Day, attending a parliamentary event where women defenders met with policymakers to advocate for stronger UK support.
Women defenders often face gender-based violence and are at a heightened risk of sexual agression. They can suffer public smears and rejection by their communities. They also face legal and institutional barriers, as existing laws often leave them vulnerable to arbitrary detention and other abuses.
Adolfina “Dolly” Kuum is one of many inspiring women defenders who has made a significant impact on her community. Dolly founded the Environmental Care Community in Timika, West Papua, focusing on the rights of Indigenous peoples and women affected by mining activities. Her organisation conducts advocacy, research, and capacity-building to empower communities impacted by environmental degradation.
Human Rights Defender Virginia Laparra Rivas Wins Sir Henry Brooke Award
We are delighted to congratulate Virginia Laparra Rivas on receiving the prestigious 2025 Sir Henry Brooke Award. As the former head of a Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (FECI) in Guatemala, Virginia demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption and organised crime. Her relentless pursuit of justice led to her unjust imprisonment for nearly two years, during which she endured inhumane conditions. Despite these hardships, Virginia says she drew strength from the support of the international community. Accepting the award, she emphasised that this recognition is not only a personal honour, but a testament to the collective struggle of all human rights defenders facing persecution.
UK Government's Cuts to Foreign Aid
At PBI UK, we are deeply concerned by the UK government’s decision to reduce foreign aid to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI), diverting funds to defence. These cuts threaten vital human rights work, placing human rights defenders and civil society organisations at greater risk. PBI joined NGOs including Oxfam GB and Save the Children UK to warn that this move undermines Labour's legacy on international development and endangers marginalised communities facing conflict, poverty, and climate change. Reduced aid also weakens efforts to support grassroots defenders who rely on international solidarity to continue their work. We urge the UK government to reverse these cuts and reaffirm its commitment to protecting human rights, sustaining peace, and upholding global justice.
Court Hearing for Ch'orti' Maya Indigenous Defenders Postponed
On 25th February, a court hearing for members of the Ch'orti' Maya Indigenous Council of Olopa was postponed for the second time, with a new date set for 31 July 2025. These Indigenous human rights defenders remain under house arrest as they await trial, highlighting serious due process concerns in Guatemala’s justice system. They face criminalisation for their peaceful resistance against the Los Manantiales mining company, which began operations without consulting local communities. Despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering the mine’s closure, the affected defenders continue to endure legal persecution, harassment, and delays - part of a broader pattern of criminalisation across the country. Read more about their case and the wider implications of these injustices. PBI is working to support the community.
PBI Honduras Celebrates 10 Years of Solidarity and Protection
February marked the 10th anniversary of PBI Honduras - a decade dedicated to protecting human rights defenders in one of the most dangerous countries for activists. Since 2013, PBI has provided international accompaniment to those defending land, environmental, and other human rights in the face of threats, criminalisation, and violence. We have worked alongside defenders, amplifying their voices and advocating for their safety at national and international levels. Despite persistent risks, their resilience remains unwavering. As we reflected on this milestone, PBI reaffirmed our commitment to standing in solidarity with those fighting for justice and human rights in Honduras. Read more about PBI’s work in Honduras over the past decade and the challenges that remain
Additional Business and Human Rights Updates
Indonesia – Grasberg Mine
The London Mining Network (LMN) and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) have raised concerns over copper trading from the Grasberg mine in Indonesia. They warned the London Metal Exchange (LME) and its regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), that trading copper sourced from the mine could constitute money laundering. Activists are urging stricter oversight of the metals market to ensure ethical sourcing.
Event with Labour MPs
In January PBI UK co-hosted an event in Parliament chaired by Sarah Champion MP, alongside the Corporate Justice Coalition, Anti-Slavery International, Unison, Tony’s Chocolonely, Friends of the Earth and the Labour Campaign for Human Rights. During this event we explored with MPs how to address human rights abuses and environmental harms in UK supply chains, while promoting sustainable, resilient growth. In order to protect, support and empower human rights defenders and affected communities, a UK law on mandatory due diligence is needed now.
Learn more about communities and activists around the world are affected by the irresponsible practices of some UK businesses, and what needs to be done, here.
Upcoming Human Rights Defender Advocacy Tour
This May, we are excited to welcome Dorthea Wabiser and Jesús Thomas Gonzáles to London for a special advocacy tour.
Dorthea is a young Indigenous researcher with PUSAKA and a defender of Indigenous and environmental rights in West Papua. Jesús represents the El Bajío ejido in Sonora, Mexico - a community engaged in a long-standing legal battle to protect their land from destructive mining operations.
During their visit, they will meet with MPs, civil servants and business representatives, as well as participating in a film screening and panel discussion. They will speak at a Parliamentary event, advocating for stronger UK leadership in amplifying the voices of Indigenous and environmental defenders at COP30.
This tour builds on our ongoing Business and Human Rights & Environmental Act campaign, following our work last November with Forest Peoples Programme, where we brought together Indigenous and Afro-descendent leaders in the UK to strengthen support for their struggles. Stay tuned for more details!
Big Give Green Match Fund - Double Your Impact!
From 22 to 29 April, we’re taking part in the Big Green Match Fund! For one week, every donation to PBI UK will be doubled, meaning your support goes twice as far. For every £10 you give, we receive £20, doubling our ability to protect human rights defenders working on the frontlines of environmental justice.
We’ll launch our campaign in the coming weeks, so stay connected by following us on our social media channels. If you believe in our work, please help spread the word!
Together, we can make an even bigger impact.
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