This year, Peace Brigades International celebrates 45 years of standing alongside human rights and environmental defenders and communities around the world working courageously for peace, justice and human rights.

Since its foundation in 1981, PBI has worked hard to create space and provide protection for those promoting nonviolent change, accompanying people and organisations whose work puts them at risk and helping ensure that their voices can be heard.

From the 2nd to the 5th of March, PBI participated in an international observation visit to Ecuador, alongside other international human rights organizations. During the visit, meetings were held with local communities, human rights and environmental defenders, civil society organizations, representatives of public institutions, and members of the international community.

The 61st session of the Council will take place in Geneva from February 23 to March 31, 2026. Follow us on this page and on social media to keep up with our work.

This article presents the different actions and statements by PBI, implemented as they take place, as well as information about the contexts in which PBI works and the discussions that will take place at the UN.

Protecting the Protectors: A New Roadmap for Collective Defence in Latin America

In our latest research, Peace Brigades International (PBI) and the ALLIED Network (Alliance for Land, Indigenous and Environmental Defenders) share the results of a deep-dive investigation into how communities in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Amazonian tri-border region linking Peru, Brazil, and Colombia are standing up to injustice. 

This week, we’re celebrating a new chapter in Peace Brigades International’s journey. 

We are proud to announce the launch of our new global strategic plan: Defending the Future (2025–2030) — a vision rooted in solidarity, courage, and the belief that peace is only possible when human rights are protected.

In 2024, we stood shoulder to shoulder with people defending life, land and justice. From those searching for truth and justice in Colombia to environmental campaigners in Kenya, our volunteers, staff and partners helped keep communities safe, raise alarms where it matters, and push for lasting change.

We are deeply concerned by the excessive and unlawful use of force by security forces during recent demonstrations. At least 27 people – including youth – have lost their lives, and hundreds have been injured. The use of lethal force not only violates international law but also undermines the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and protest.

In the vibrant yet traditional community of Kilifi, Ruweida Muhammad, Executive Director of Desire Youth Initiative, is spearheading a quiet but powerful revolution. Growing up in an area where harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) were not just accepted but celebrated, Ruweida’s journey from a silent observer to a vocal advocate has been marked by both resistance and resilience.

Image

In the heart of Kenya’s coastal splendor lies Uyombo, a gem of Kilifi County, where the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waves meet

“One’s leadership should not be focused only on one part, but I believe that as leaders of women, we have to put ourselves in a framework that is to do good.”