Together We Rise
Peace Brigades International — Global Annual Review 2024
In 2024, we stood shoulder to shoulder with people defending life, land and justice. From those campaigning for truth and justice in Colombia to environmental campaigners in Kenya, our volunteers and partners helped keep communities safe, raise alarms where it matters, and push for lasting change.
In the past year, PBI directly protected 3,900+ human rights defenders, helping safeguard another 307,000 people in high-risk regions. From Colombia’s women’s rights defenders to Kenya’s environmental campaigners, these are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and we are proud to stand beside them.
From A world-first law to 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.
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.
Defender spotlights (three short stories)
Yanette Bautista — Colombia
“When women start searching, we become human rights defenders.”
Yanette’s leadership helped win Law 2364. PBI’s long-term accompaniment gave her organisation the protection and international platform it needed. Yanette’s legacy lives on.
Phyllis Omido & CJGEA — Kenya
Standing strong for coast, coral and communities.
PBI accompanied public meetings and protests; the presence of international observers helped keep events peaceful and amplified calls for sustainable, community-centred energy choices.
Yoreme Alliance - Mexico
Defending rights, culture and land
Local communities, accompanied by PBI, are working to defend their culture, language and ancestral territory after centuries of being forced away from their land by business interests and corrupt local elites.
Protection in practice
How PBI protects defenders
Our approach is holistic. Trained volunteers provide visible, protective accompaniment; we build capacity in 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.
PBI’s Global Finances & how your support was used in 2024
Total global income: €6,236,256 | Total global expenditure: €6,049,006
Major expenditure categories: Holistic protection (€4,657,735 — 77%), Program development (€846,861 — 14%), Governance (€544,410 — 9%).
Income sources: multilateral & government funds (76%), trusts & foundations (17%), private donors (7%).
In 2024, as well as fundraising for multiple advocacy activities and legal empowerment projects, PBI’s UK Section contributed over £100,000 to other PBI teams around the world and £22,500 to allied civil society organisations. Thank you for your support!
Stand with the people who stand for life
Your support enables protective presence, legal accompaniment, training, and advocacy. Join our volunteer community, make a gift, or sign up to receive updates from PBI UK.
