Voice.Global website

  • Organisation

    Natural Justice: Lawyers for Communities and the Environment, the lead organisation is a not-for-profit organisation registered in South Africa and Kenya with hubs in Cape Town, Nairobi and Dakar.

    This project involves several grassroots organisations in Africa, all but one of which are ICCA Consortium Members; national, regional and global networks (e.g., Defending the Defenders Coalition); and other key organisations working with defenders, especially in Africa (e.g., Front Line Defenders, IUCN-Netherlands).The project is closely linked to the Africa Defenders Fund, implemented by Natural Justice in partnership with the International Land Coalition (ILC) and ICCA Consortium. The Environmental Defenders Collaborative (a pooled fund) has previously expressed interest to support the ICCA Consortium’s work on defending territories of life and their defenders.
    The bulk of the project activities are based on mini proposals prepared by ICCA Consortium Members, which set out their self-determined plans and priorities for this project. Their proposed efforts are aimed at strengthening and recognising the work of Human Rights Defenders in Africa in general and their community’s grassroots defenders in particular. It will also support them to engage with the 2021global mobilisation campaign, which is expected to take place during the week leading up to International Human Rights Defenders Day on 9 December 2021, if this aligns with their local/national priorities.
    • Organisation

      Natural Justice: Lawyers for Communities and the Environment, the lead organisation is a not-for-profit organisation registered in South Africa and Kenya with hubs in Cape Town, Nairobi and Dakar.

      This project involves several grassroots organisations in Africa, all but one of which are ICCA Consortium Members; national, regional and global networks (e.g., Defending the Defenders Coalition); and other key organisations working with defenders, especially in Africa (e.g., Front Line Defenders, IUCN-Netherlands).The project is closely linked to the Africa Defenders Fund, implemented by Natural Justice in partnership with the International Land Coalition (ILC) and ICCA Consortium. The Environmental Defenders Collaborative (a pooled fund) has previously expressed interest to support the ICCA Consortium’s work on defending territories of life and their defenders.
      The bulk of the project activities are based on mini proposals prepared by ICCA Consortium Members, which set out their self-determined plans and priorities for this project. Their proposed efforts are aimed at strengthening and recognising the work of Human Rights Defenders in Africa in general and their community’s grassroots defenders in particular. It will also support them to engage with the 2021global mobilisation campaign, which is expected to take place during the week leading up to International Human Rights Defenders Day on 9 December 2021, if this aligns with their local/national priorities.
    • Project

      Solidarity with African Environmental and Land Defenders aims to support indigenous peoples and local communities and their grassroots organisations in up to seven countries in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Madagascar)in their efforts to resist and be protected against such threats as they defend their collective lands and territories of life. The actions and forms of support are both defensive and preventative in nature and respond directly to their self-determined needs and priorities, including, inter alia, awareness campaigns, trainings, digital and physical security measures, legal support, and communications platforms for regional and global advocacy.

      The project supports indigenous peoples and local communities to remain on their customary lands and territories and continue their self-determined ways of life and livelihoods. In addition,  the project supports indigenous peoples and communities, especially those who are routinely marginalised and discriminated against and face multiple intersectional inequalities, to advocate for legal and political recognition for their contributions to conservation and sustainable development and for their rights and collective responsibilities to defend their lands and territories.

    • Learning

      Defending Our Land, Defending Our Rights: Standing with Environmental Activists in Africa 

      Across Africa, communities are fighting to protect their forests, rivers, and land from destruction. In Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Madagascar, DRC, and Nigeria, environmental defenders are challenging land grabs, mining projects, and deforestation that threaten their homes and livelihoods. But speaking out comes at a cost. Many activists face threats, arrests, and violence—sometimes from the very authorities meant to protect them. 

      To support those on the frontlines, Natural Justice and local partners have provided emergency legal aid, training, and advocacy support to environmental defenders. This initiative is about more than just responding to crises—it’s about equipping communities with the tools to resist, organize, and push for stronger protections. 

      The Cost of Speaking Out 

      For many defenders, standing up for their rights means putting themselves at risk. 

      • In Uganda, women leading land rights campaigns have faced harassment and legal intimidation. 
      • In Kenya, indigenous activists resisting deforestation have been forcibly evicted. 
      • In Madagascar, communities speaking out against illegal mining have faced retaliation. 

      Through this project, 13 environmental defenders received emergency legal aid to fight unjust charges, prevent forced evictions, and hold authorities accountable. Six of these cases were successfully resolved, proving that legal action can make a difference when communities have access to the right support. 

      Building Knowledge, Building Power 

      Beyond legal aid, the project focused on training grassroots defenders to better navigate legal systems and advocate for their rights. 

      • Legal handbooks were developed and shared across Kenya, DRC, and Madagascar, helping communities understand how to use the law to protect their land. 
      • Radio programs and webinars expanded access to legal knowledge, reaching thousands of listeners with strategies for resisting land grabs and forced displacement. 
      • Youth leadership programs helped a new generation of environmental defenders prepare for the challenges ahead. 

      Having access to legal support isn’t enough—communities need the knowledge and confidence to defend their rights. 

      Connecting Local Struggles to Global Advocacy 

      The challenges environmental defenders face are not isolated incidents. Across the region, the space for activism is shrinking, and communities are being displaced in the name of development. This project has helped bring these issues to international attention. 

      • A formal complaint was submitted to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, documenting rights violations in Uganda. 
      • Policy recommendations were developed for lawmakers in Kenya and Madagascar, calling for stronger legal protections for land defenders. 
      • Community activists participated in the Africa Land Forum, connecting local struggles to regional and international advocacy efforts. 

      By amplifying the voices of those on the ground, these efforts push governments and international institutions to take action. 

      What Comes Next? 

      While this project has made progress, the fight for environmental justice continues. The next priorities include: 

      • Expanding emergency legal aid for defenders facing threats and legal challenges. 
      • Strengthening international protections for environmental activists at risk. 
      • Broadening advocacy efforts to push for legal reforms that recognize and protect defenders’ rights. 
      • Training more community leaders to ensure local struggles are supported by strong networks. 

      The push for environmental justice is long-term, and progress comes through sustained legal action, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. With stronger protections, better resources, and continued support, environmental defenders can continue their work—not just to protect land and resources, but to secure their rights and futures. 

  • Project

    Solidarity with African Environmental and Land Defenders aims to support indigenous peoples and local communities and their grassroots organisations in up to seven countries in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, DRC, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Madagascar)in their efforts to resist and be protected against such threats as they defend their collective lands and territories of life. The actions and forms of support are both defensive and preventative in nature and respond directly to their self-determined needs and priorities, including, inter alia, awareness campaigns, trainings, digital and physical security measures, legal support, and communications platforms for regional and global advocacy.

    The project supports indigenous peoples and local communities to remain on their customary lands and territories and continue their self-determined ways of life and livelihoods. In addition,  the project supports indigenous peoples and communities, especially those who are routinely marginalised and discriminated against and face multiple intersectional inequalities, to advocate for legal and political recognition for their contributions to conservation and sustainable development and for their rights and collective responsibilities to defend their lands and territories.

  • Learning

    Defending Our Land, Defending Our Rights: Standing with Environmental Activists in Africa 

    Across Africa, communities are fighting to protect their forests, rivers, and land from destruction. In Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Madagascar, DRC, and Nigeria, environmental defenders are challenging land grabs, mining projects, and deforestation that threaten their homes and livelihoods. But speaking out comes at a cost. Many activists face threats, arrests, and violence—sometimes from the very authorities meant to protect them. 

    To support those on the frontlines, Natural Justice and local partners have provided emergency legal aid, training, and advocacy support to environmental defenders. This initiative is about more than just responding to crises—it’s about equipping communities with the tools to resist, organize, and push for stronger protections. 

    The Cost of Speaking Out 

    For many defenders, standing up for their rights means putting themselves at risk. 

    • In Uganda, women leading land rights campaigns have faced harassment and legal intimidation. 
    • In Kenya, indigenous activists resisting deforestation have been forcibly evicted. 
    • In Madagascar, communities speaking out against illegal mining have faced retaliation. 

    Through this project, 13 environmental defenders received emergency legal aid to fight unjust charges, prevent forced evictions, and hold authorities accountable. Six of these cases were successfully resolved, proving that legal action can make a difference when communities have access to the right support. 

    Building Knowledge, Building Power 

    Beyond legal aid, the project focused on training grassroots defenders to better navigate legal systems and advocate for their rights. 

    • Legal handbooks were developed and shared across Kenya, DRC, and Madagascar, helping communities understand how to use the law to protect their land. 
    • Radio programs and webinars expanded access to legal knowledge, reaching thousands of listeners with strategies for resisting land grabs and forced displacement. 
    • Youth leadership programs helped a new generation of environmental defenders prepare for the challenges ahead. 

    Having access to legal support isn’t enough—communities need the knowledge and confidence to defend their rights. 

    Connecting Local Struggles to Global Advocacy 

    The challenges environmental defenders face are not isolated incidents. Across the region, the space for activism is shrinking, and communities are being displaced in the name of development. This project has helped bring these issues to international attention. 

    • A formal complaint was submitted to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, documenting rights violations in Uganda. 
    • Policy recommendations were developed for lawmakers in Kenya and Madagascar, calling for stronger legal protections for land defenders. 
    • Community activists participated in the Africa Land Forum, connecting local struggles to regional and international advocacy efforts. 

    By amplifying the voices of those on the ground, these efforts push governments and international institutions to take action. 

    What Comes Next? 

    While this project has made progress, the fight for environmental justice continues. The next priorities include: 

    • Expanding emergency legal aid for defenders facing threats and legal challenges. 
    • Strengthening international protections for environmental activists at risk. 
    • Broadening advocacy efforts to push for legal reforms that recognize and protect defenders’ rights. 
    • Training more community leaders to ensure local struggles are supported by strong networks. 

    The push for environmental justice is long-term, and progress comes through sustained legal action, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. With stronger protections, better resources, and continued support, environmental defenders can continue their work—not just to protect land and resources, but to secure their rights and futures. 

  • News

Whistleblower

Voice is committed to providing safe spaces filled with integrity and respect for ALL people as well as for financial resources.

Click here for more information on our Whistle-blower policy & Procedure
Disclaimer