In a country where Dalit women face systemic discrimination and marginalisation, the work done by the Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO) has catalysed transformative changes for the Dalit community – and the whole country. With support from KIOS, FEDO’s long-standing mission to empower Dalit women and girls has led to increased awareness of their rights, greater […]
The latest programme evaluation of the KIOS Foundation has shed light on its effectiveness in strengthening the capacities of human rights organisations, the impact of its grant mechanisms, and the functionality of its funding model. Conducted by Consulting Agency ZULU between September and November 2024, the evaluation assessed the role of KIOS in supporting its […]
The Haki Ni Yetu Consortium is excited to announce a new funding opportunity for Kenyan grassroots organisations working on human rights, good governance and accountability. Deadline for applications is Tuesday March 4 of 2025 at 23:59 local Kenyan time. The Haki Ni Yetu project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Finnish KIOS […]
For the International Day of Education, KIOS contacted two of our grantee organisations working on promoting education as a human right in Nepal. We interviewed Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, the President of INHURED and Naren Khatiwada from Youth Advocacy Nepal (YAN). Read below on how the youth in Nepal are engaged in improving education access and […]
In the heart of Meru County, Kenya, lies the small but resilient village of Ariamawoi and its Turkana community. This community has long fought against isolation and resource scarcity. Their living conditions have relied heavily on NGOs and church donors, as they have had no access to government support. Thanks to the community’s determination and […]
The Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), a human rights organization supported by KIOS, achieved a significant legal victory after a prolonged battle. The legal struggle, which began in 2016, finally concluded when Kenya’s Supreme Court upheld million-dollar compensations for the Owino Uhuru community. Residents of the community had suffered health issues due […]
We are thrilled to announce the opening of call for proposals as part of our Civic Action and Community Empowerment Grants (CACEG) in Kenya. This grant program is specifically designed to support community-level initiatives. Grassroots and community-based organizations in Busia, Embu, Kakamega, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kwale, Siaya and Taita-Taveta counties are welcome to submit their proposal. […]
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our Civic Action and Community Empowerment Grants (CACEG) in Kenya. This grant program is specifically designed to support community-level initiatives. Grassroots and community-based organizations in Migori and Isiolo counties are welcome to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI). The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2024.
Last week, police assaulted members of the Uyombo village community and arbitrarily arrested two community activists. The Center for Justice Governance & Environmental Action (CJGEA), funded by KIOS, has supported the Uyombo village community in opposing the government’s plans to build a nuclear power plant in the area. The program manager of CJGEA was also […]
Reena Lama is a Nepalese human rights defender who promotes the rights of sex workers in Nepal. We interviewed Reena about the situation of sex workers in Nepal and the kind of courage it takes to defend their human rights. Reena Lama serves as the executive director of Friends Affected and Infected Together in Hand […]
Reena Lama from KIOS’s grantee organisation FAITH will be interviewed at the World Village Festival in Helsinki. The programme “Sex workers’ rights in Nepal” will be streamed online on Saturday 25 May at 18:25 pm EET.
Civil society actors and friends of Tibet gathered for a discussion during the visit of Tibet’s President Sikyong Penpa Tsering in Finland. KIOS was involved in organizing the discussion event, where President Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Tibetan exile community, shared valuable insights into the complex geopolitical situation surrounding Tibet. He touched upon […]
Thank you for your proposals! We have received nearly 400 proposals, showcasing the incredible interest and commitment to advancing human rights in Kenya.
The KIOS Annual Report 2022 shows that despite the challenges rising conflicts and questioning of the whole human rights systems around the globe, active civil society actors can make an impact and are needed now more than ever. In 2022, KIOS funded 44 human rights projects or programmes in East Africa and South Asia. The […]
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is alarming and threatens the realization of people’s human rights. KIOS joins appeals with demands that an immediate ceasefire must be achieved and international agreements, humanitarian law, and human rights must be respected. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed unprecedented destruction and violence in both Gaza and Israel. […]
Phyllis Omido, the founder and Executive Director of our long-standing grantee, the Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), is one of this year’s Right Livelihood Laureates. Omido is being honoured for her efforts in protecting the environmental and land rights of East African communities.
KIOS expresses solidarity with Odhikar, Khan and Elan and calls for their immediate release. On September 14th, Khan and Elan, members of the Bangladeshi NGO Odhikar, were sentenced to two years in prison under the Information and Communication Technology Act of 2006 by the Cyber Tribunal in Bangladesh. Following their the sentencing, they were detained […]
Development banks play a major role in financing development projects in the global south. However, their operation has raised important questions, especially about human rights. In the report commissioned by KIOS, it was particularly highlighted that the implementation of the recommendations of the financial mechanisms should be monitored even more closely. A Development bank is […]
KIOS and its sister Siemenpuu Foundation recently joined the Alliance for Land, Indigenous and Environmental Defenders ALLIED. ALLIED is an international alliance of organisations, which works to support and enhance the protection of environmental defenders.
During Helsinki Pride Week LGBTIQA+ activists from the Global South will give their own perspectives of the situation in their countries. On Wednesday 28 June activists from Kenya and Sri Lanka will be live on Instagram. On Thursday 29 June there will be a live screening of the documentary Under the Kenyan Rainbow and a discussion with activists from different parts of Africa in Helsinki.
