From 2 to 4 October 2026, Media Defence, the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (KHRC) and the Vuka! Coalition for Civic Action brought together 16 lawyers in Nairobi, Kenya, for a three-day litigation surgery on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and the protection of human rights defenders.
Selected from more than 300 applications, the lawyers came from across the region, from Niger in the north to Botswana in the south.
Expert-led presentations on key themes were followed by time to workshop participants’ own cases, testing their arguments with peers and specialists and exploring which national, regional and international forums could help their clients.
“Strategic litigation is more than a legal tool; it is a powerful pathway to justice, accountability, and lasting social change,” said one participant. “I believe that empowering lawyers with knowledge and collaboration is essential to advancing human rights and gender equality across Africa.”
On the first day, KHRC opened with a session on the principles and best practice of strategic litigation. Media Defence then led sessions on defamation and SLAPPs, and KHRC closed the day with a session on freedom of assembly and association.
The second day, introduced by Vuka!, focused on the limits of free speech. Kenyan lawyer Mercy Mutemi led the sessions on the threshold between protected and unprotected speech and on the role of social media platforms in upholding freedom of expression. Media Defence led sessions on national security and on digital rights, including internet shutdowns and cybercrime laws. The day ended with an introduction to the Vuka! Coalition for Civic Action.
On the final day, KHRC led a session on the protection of human rights defenders, and Media Defence covered violence against journalists and how to apply for funding for a case.
SLAPPs, digital rights and the protection of human rights defenders stood out for many participants, and discussions were lively and engaged throughout the surgery.
Another participant described the surgery as “an invaluable and memorable experience”, adding: “I left with new insights and a stronger commitment to positive change.”
Participants now join Media Defence’s alumni network of more than 300 freedom of expression lawyers around the world.
We are grateful to our partners at KHRC and Vuka! for their collaboration and for making the surgery possible.
