Quakers in Britain and America are backing groups in the USA and Kenya for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Every year, the denomination is allowed to put forward their choice after winning the award more than 75 years ago.

In 1947, the Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) and the American Friends Service Committee were awarded for their tireless work over the span of both world wars. They were nominated on four occasions prior to their win, all as a result of their commitment to the relief of war and famine.

This year, their nominations are the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) and the National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK).

The FRRC campaign for the rights of ex-convicts . They're currently campaigning to allow former prisoners to vote, even if they still owe fines and fees as part of their sentence. 

The NCCK works to ensure political elections in Kenya are credible, free and fair. They also advocate for legislation that helps the poor in areas where climate change is already having an effect.

Oliver Robertson, head of QPSW, said: “Quakers have always believed that everyone has value, and nobody’s insights should be discounted.

“The voices of the poor and those bearing the brunt of climate change need to be heard and effective democratic processes enable this to happen. That is why we have nominated these two organisations for the Nobel Peace Prize.”