Support brave actions!
Human rights are the foundation of sustainable peace and development. At KIOS we support the human rights work of civil society in East Africa and South Asia.
News
Beyond the Screen: How Kokotoni Communities in Kilifi County Are Turning Stories into Action
In Kokotoni, Kilifi County in the Kenyan coast, residents are navigating the severe environmental and social challenges associated with mining…
Webinar: Resistance and Hope – Strengthening LGBTQIA+ Solidarity in a Time of Global Backlash
Welcome to the online webinar on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 10-11:30 Helsinki time (EEST Time). Across the world, a…
A Safe Place to Heal: How Community Voices Secured Protection for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Kwale County
For many survivors of gender-based violence in Kwale County, escaping abuse did not guarantee safety. With no safe houses available,…
Connecting Communities to Support and Justice: How a Mobile App Is Transforming GBV Response in Embu
For years, violence against women and girls in many communities across Embu was rarely reported beyond the family compound. Survivors…
“Use your voice and remain resilient” – Michelle Mwelesa’s Message from Helsinki
“Always use your voice and remain resilient.” With these words, Kenyan human rights defender and lawyer Michelle Mwelesa, who recently…
Hope from human rights work: KIOS Annual Report 2025 published
KIOS annual report once again demonstrates how the human rights organisations supported by KIOS can bring about change despite ongoing opposition and the shrinking…
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.
Democratic Rights 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.
Responsible Business, Environment 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.