Hussein Khalid is a distinguished Kenyan human rights activist and lawyer, currently serving as the CEO of VOCAL Africa. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, human rights, and governance reforms across the continent. His work has focused on empowering communities to understand and defend their rights, fostering accountability, and pushing for systemic change in Africa.

Khalid began his career at the Centre for Law and Research International (CLARION), where he specialized in community mobilization and human rights training. Over the years, he has held significant roles in various organizations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI). His contributions in these organizations were instrumental in raising awareness about human rights issues, particularly in Kenya’s coastal region.

One of his most notable contributions is his role as the founder of HAKI Africa, an organization that has been at the forefront of addressing extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and police brutality. His fearless advocacy has often placed him at odds with authorities, resulting in threats and intimidation. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to exposing injustices, playing a crucial role in uncovering the River Yala bodies in 2021 and the Shakahola massacre in 2023.

Beyond advocacy, Khalid has significantly influenced policy reforms in Kenya and Africa. He has been actively involved in civil society movement building and has played a crucial role in campaigns against torture. His contributions to drafting guidelines on combating enforced disappearances in Africa have strengthened regional human rights frameworks, making it harder for perpetrators to act with impunity.

In recognition of his tireless efforts, Khalid was honored with the Human Rights Defender of the Year Award in November 2024. This prestigious award, presented by the Defenders Coalition and the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya, acknowledged his unwavering courage and commitment to promoting human rights and access to justice for survivors and families of victims of human rights violations.

Throughout his career, Hussein Khalid has remained a steadfast advocate for justice, standing with the marginalized and oppressed. His leadership at VOCAL Africa continues to inspire a new generation of human rights defenders across the continent, proving that resilience and integrity are key in the fight for justice and human dignity.