Abdalle Mumin. Photo: Courtesy of HRPF.
HRPF appeal to plug funding gap
‘At a time when global need is rising and funding is falling, this year’s appeal is more vital than ever,’
The Quaker-supported Human Rights Protection Fund (HRPF) has said its income is projected to fall by twenty-five per cent.
The charity has launched its annual Christmas Big Give campaign, calling on supporters to help protect human rights defenders at risk around the world.
‘At a time when global need is rising and funding is falling, this year’s appeal is more vital than ever,’ said HRPF.
The campaign highlights the story of Abdalle Mumin, a Somalian journalist whose ‘fearless’ work led to his persecution by the Somalian government.
‘Born in war-torn Somalia, Abdalle grew up in a displacement camp where he witnessed hunger, violence, and the deep injustices faced by women and children. Driven by his belief in truth and accountability, Abdalle became a journalist in 2003,’ said HRPF.
‘Working in one of the world’s most dangerous environments for the press, he reported fearlessly on corruption, injustice and extremist violence. His work led to repeated threats, arrests and even an assassination attempt in 2015 when gunmen opened fire on his car.’
‘They shot at me three times whilst I was in my car downtown in the capital. I escaped unharmed and fled to Kenya, but I had to continue doing what I do,’ said Abdalle.
In 2019, Abdalle founded the Somali Journalists Syndicate to train and defend local reporters. His advocacy brought him renewed danger, however, and in 2022 he was kidnapped, imprisoned for seven months, and publicly tried on false charges.
HRPF was able to provide an urgent grant to cover Abdalle’s family’s basic living costs in Kenya while he remained in prison. ‘After securing his release, Abdalle sought refuge in the UK in 2023, where he continues his human rights work through journalism and public advocacy.’
Stories like Abdalle’s are central to HRPF’s mission, said the charity, but supporting people in these circumstances is becoming increasingly difficult. ‘This year, nine trusts and foundations have closed or paused their grant programmes, and many individual donors face ongoing economic pressures.’ Last year, it supported 229 prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders. This year, without additional funding, staff expect to support fewer than 100.
The Christmas Big Give campaign runs from 2-9 December. Every donation made through the Big Give website will be doubled at no extra cost to donors. For details, visit: https://bit.ly/HRPFchristmas2025.
