Introduction and Justification
The EU implemented project in the three counties of Kwale, Marsabit and Busia places very high premiums on the integral role played by the public in supporting the working of Human Rights Defenders. This support from the community has largely been lacking which has made it fairly difficulty for the HRDs to deliver on their role of protecting and promoting the rights of the people. This background thus provided an opportunity for the event that was held in Mathare/Huruma as it was to fill in the gap provided by this lack of support and thus the theme of ‘ mobilizing community support for the work of HRDs”
Participation
This event saw the participation of 70 people that were drawn from different areas of the informal settlements of Mathare, Huruma, Dandora, Kariobangi and Kibera areas. Key among these participants were the vibrant HRDs that operate in these regions who have singled out themselves as the first line of assistance in the event of seeking redress by the residents of these regions.
Issues Raised
The issues raised during the forum included;
- Extra – Judicial killings
- Enforced disappearances
- Physical threats
- Physical surveillance
- Email hackings
- Arbitrary arrests
- Long standing cases about the HRDs in the courts
KNCHR Intervention
The EU grant is key in opening up the space under which the HRDs operate and the issues raised above shall be key in delivering on this project. The Commission shall be having a targeted approach to this region in the coming months to ensure that the issues raised above are highlighted and possible solutions found on the same to ensure that this space for the HRDs is guaranteed as is provided for in the constitution. The community is key in ensuring that this space is guaranteed and thus the call for mobilizing the community in supporting HRDs in their respective jurisdictions.