Justice and Rule of Law

Forced disappearance in Mexico

Over 40,000 people are disappeared across Mexico.

Some of these 40,000 may be alive, and some make up the 26,000 bodies that lie unidentified in morgues across the country.

The terrifying figures of forced disappearance in Mexico speak not only of the crisis of extreme violence the country is living through, but also of the deep need to address structural injustices that allow human rights violations to continue without investigation or the punishing of those responsible.

Defending media freedom

Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

Naomi Barasa and Daniel Prado win first annual Sir Henry Brooke Awards

Kenyan social justice activist Naomi Barasa and Colombian human rights lawyer Daniel Prado have won the first annual Sir Henry Brooke Awards for Human Rights Defenders. The awards were presented by Lady Arden DBE, at a packed event at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on 13 November 2018. The event was organised by PBI UK and pro bono legal network the Alliance for Lawyers at Risk, and hosted by Lord Carnwath CVO.

Forced disappearance: an open wound in Mexico

As we commemorate 4 years from the disappearance of the 43 students from the rural college of Ayotzinapa (Guerrero), PBI stands in solidarity with all those searching for their family members, coming up against unbearable impunity with strength and inspiring dignity.

Guatemala curtails UN anti-corruption body

Human rights leaders face surveillance and harassment after President Jimmy Morales' move to cap CICIG's work and bar CICIG head from the country

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, in an August 31 press conference in Guatemala City, announced the non-renewal of the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).

The Human Rights Defenders fighting back against torture

"Torture remains unacceptable and unjustified at all times, including during states of emergency, political instability, or even in a war. On this day, let us also pay tribute to all those who stand in solidarity with victims and their families – and reaffirm our commitment to ending this abominable and useless practice." Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Torture violates the inherent dignity of the human being. Its use creates societies based on fear and throttles the transformative potential of civil society.

Colombian human rights lawyer Luis Guillermo Perez visits the UK

In April 2018 Colombian human rights lawyer Luis Guillermo Pérez visited Europe in order to submit evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the killings on human rights defenders in Colombia. 2017, the first full year since the signing of the peace agreement in Colombia, was the deadliest on record for human rights defenders, with 121 killed, compared with 60 killings in 2016.

Two years since Berta Cáceres' death the struggle for justice continues

Two years ago, Berta Cáceres, Lenca indigenous leader and coordinator of COPINH, was murdered in her residence in La Esperanza, Intibucá. Despite global outcry, justice still hasn’t been done*.

Sir Henry Brooke, PBI UK Patron and tireless advocate of human rights passes away

January 2018

We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Sir Henry Brooke CMG, a Patron of PBI UK and an invaluable supporter.

The Lawyers who Risk their Lives for Justice

Every year, lawyers who work for the defence of human rights are harassed, threatened, persecuted and even killed. On the 24th of January, the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, the international community celebrates the importance of lawyers in upholding human rights and the rule of law, and reflects on how to combat the serious threats they face.

United Kingdom