Peace Brigades International was present at the 61st session of the Human Rights Council (February 23 – March 31, 2026) took place in Geneva, Switzerland. PBI made formal interventions, co-organized side events, and supported defenders speaking directly to the international community.
The formal interventions by PBI included:
-Mexico: PBI highlighted the need to strengthen the Protection Mechanism in Mexico.
-Guatemala: PBI raised the historic ruling protecting community journalist Norma Sancir and called for dialogue mechanisms to resolve land conflicts affecting Indigenous communities.
Video: March 3, 2026 (starts at 1:59:08). PBI presentation by Yannick Wild.
-Colombia: PBI called for full implementation of the Law on Women Searchers and stronger state presence in rural areas most affected by armed conflict.
Video: March 4, 2026 (starts at 2:20:06). PBI presentation by Yannick Wild.
-Honduras: PBI called for full corporate accountability, compliance with the reparation plan for Berta Cáceres’ murder, and stronger protection for communities facing extractive industry pressure.
Video: March 2, 2026 (starts at 57:44). PBI presentation by Meritxell Bonet.
-Nicaragua: PBI called on the international community to recognize transnational repression as a distinct and urgent dimension of the crisis.
Video: March 16, 2026 (starts at 44:36). PBI presentation by Lulio Marenco.
PBI also co-organized side events on territorial violence in Colombia, housing rights in Guatemala, and arbitrary detention in Nicaragua. We supported Sandra Calel of the Verapaz Union of Peasant Organizations (UVOC) and exiled Nicaraguan defender Salvador Marenco to speak at the international level.
With thanks to PBI-Switzerland and PBI-UK for content and photos.
