Seminar on Human Rights and the Environment – Environmental Defenders on the Frontline
Welcome to the international seminar organised by KIOS and the Siemenpuu Foundation on Tuesday 31.5.2022 in Helsinki and online.
Supporting human rights work
Human rights are the foundation of sustainable peace and development. We support the human rights work of civil society in East Africa and South Asia.
News
Open call for grant proposals from Nepal
KIOS is opening a call for human rights grant proposals for organisations in Nepal. The focus is on gender equality, non-discrimination and the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Smaller organisations with limited funding opportunities are encouraged to apply.
Phyllis Omido, the “Erin Brockovich of East Africa”, to the World Village Festival in Helsinki
The Kenyan environmental human rights defender Phyllis Omido comes to Finland for the World Village Festival in Helsinki in May. …
KIOS joins campaign calling for the UN to open its doors to NGOs
Too often authoritarian states are denying human rights organisations entry to UN debates. KIOS has joined a global campaign that calls for states to take civil society participation seriously when they vote for new members to the UN body that controls NGO accreditations.
Kenyan government plans to issue 14 000 national identity cards for the double registered
Without an identity card, it is difficult to get a formal job in Kenya, for example. An NGO called Haki na Sheria helps the double registered and is happy with the great result.
“It is a great honor to be involved in this important work,” says the new Chair of the Board of KIOS
KIOS has a new Board for 2022. Auli Starck was appointed as the chair of the Board and Mariko Sato was appointed as the vice-chair. Both have a strong experience in development issues.
Where we work
Themes of our human rights work
Human rights are indivisible, which means that all rights are equally important. That is why KIOS supports the strengthening of all rights, be they social and cultural rights or civil and political rights. Themes of particular importance to us include non-discrimination and gender equality, democracy and the rule of law, and business and human rights.
Non-discrimination and gender equality
All people have equal human dignity and human rights. Men and women have the same rights, as do sexual and gender minorities and other discriminated groups. We support work that promotes gender equality and non-discrimination.
Democracy and the rule of law
The rule of law and democratic rights have deteriorated pronouncedly in recent years around the world. Civil society defending democratic rights needs our support right now.
Business and human rights
Businesses must respond to people, not the other way round. We support local groups which promote the accountability of businesses and defend the human rights of people affected by business operations.
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