Amnesty raises concern over human rights situation in Kenya

By Lucianne Limo

Amnesty International (AI) has written to the UN Human Rights Committee raising concern over the state of human rights in Kenya.

The Human rights body is particularly concerned about the failure of the Kenyan government to address human rights violations that occurred following the post-election violence in 2007.

“Amnesty International is concerned at the failure of government to hold to account those responsible for human rights abuses, and to provide justice and reparation to the victims, “said part of the submissions to UN.

They are concerned with violations committed in connection with the post-election violence in 2007-2008, citing widespread unlawful killings, including extrajudicial executions, rape and other forms of sexual violence and mass displacement which may have amounted to crimes against humanity.

“The organisation is also concerned that unlawful killings and excessive force by police officers continue to be an ongoing problem and that police reforms have so far proven insufficient to provide redress to victims and prevent such violations in future,” stated the briefing to the UN.

The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its State parties in which Kenya is a member.

All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights are being implemented ahead of their meeting in July.

The AI noted that four years after 2007 post poll chaos, the government  has done very little to address widespread impunity for human rights violations, and possible crimes against humanity, committed during the violence.

“While the authorities have repeatedly stated their intention to investigate and hold perpetrators to account, these commitments have not translated into meaningful action at the national level, “AI said.

Amnesty International is also concerned at the increasing lack of cooperation by the government with the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On police reforms, AI expressed their fears that reforms will not begin before Kenya’s next General Elections adding that lack of progress will increase the risk of violence during the electoral period.

AI further pointed out that majority of Nairobi’s residents live in informal settlements and slums and most do not have access to public water supplies which are available to other residents of the city.

“The longstanding government view that informal settlements are illegal means that local authorities have not been held responsible for providing access to water and other essential services, “the letter said