Social Justice Movement Concludes Three-Day HAKI Mashinani Training on Human Trafficking, Mental Health, and Paralegal Skills

Yesterday, the Social Justice Movement successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building training conducted under the HAKI Mashinani Project, a partnership between Justice Ventures International, Kituo Cha Sheria, and the Social Justice Movement.

The training brought together human rights defenders and members of various social justice centres with the aim of strengthening their knowledge and skills in responding to human trafficking and other human rights violations at the community level. The initiative forms part of the broader HAKI Mashinani Project, which seeks to empower social justice centres to effectively handle cases of human trafficking, provide legal support to vulnerable community members, and improve access to justice for survivors and victims of rights violations.

A major focus of the training was building the capacity of participants to identify, document, manage, and refer cases of human trafficking. Facilitators took participants through the different forms of trafficking, warning signs, survivor-centered approaches, documentation procedures, referral mechanisms, and the legal protections available to victims under Kenyan and international law. The sessions emphasized the importance of timely intervention and collaboration with relevant government agencies, legal practitioners, and support service providers to ensure survivors receive protection and justice.

Paralegal training was also a key component of the program. Participants were equipped with practical skills in legal documentation, case management, community legal education, mediation, and referral processes. Through these skills, social justice centres will be better positioned to assist community members seeking legal guidance and support, particularly those who face barriers in accessing formal justice systems.

Mental health and psycho-social support formed another critical area of learning. Participants explored the psychological effects of trauma on survivors of human trafficking and other forms of abuse, while also discussing self-care and wellness strategies for frontline human rights defenders. The sessions highlighted the importance of integrating mental health considerations into survivor support services and human rights work.

Through the HAKI Mashinani Project, social justice centres will continue to serve as accessible community justice hubs where individuals can report human rights violations and receive assistance. The project further seeks to facilitate free legal services and referrals for victims of human rights abuses, ensuring that vulnerable populations are not denied justice due to financial constraints or lack of information.

As the training concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen community-based responses to human trafficking and human rights violations. The initiative marks a significant step toward building stronger, more informed, and responsive grassroots justice systems capable of protecting rights, promoting accountability, and advancing access to justice for all.