Calls for end to rights violations as Garissa activists mark International Human Rights Day
The activists called on policymakers to decriminalise enforced disappearance, extrajudicial executions and torture.
Activists in Garissa have called for an end to human rights violations that have been on the rise in the recent past.
Speaking during the marking of the 75th International Human Rights Day which is celebrated on December 10th globally, the activists also called on policymakers to decriminalise enforced disappearance, extrajudicial executions and torture.
In the events which were held at Garissa Primary School on Monday, the activists enumerated the importance of the day, noting that human rights violations have been on the rise, something they said is worrying.
Ibrahim Abdi Kassim, a representative of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), said the day, whose theme is dignity, freedom, and justice, is meant to reflect and also emphasise the protection of human rights in the region.
He said they have also engaged with other sectors while also allowing locals to express their opinion on increasing cases of human rights violations.
As a result of Kenya’s counterterrorism efforts, there have been numerous cases of enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings and torture that have often been blamed on security agencies.
Activists during the marking of the 75th International Human Rights Day in Garissa County on December 11, 2023. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)
During the event, there was also a legal aid clinic, which was sponsored by the Haki Na Sheria Initiative, one of the human rights organizations in Garissa.
Bare Aden, a programme officer at Haki Na Sheria, said civil society has made tremendous efforts but still has a long way to go in the protection of human rights.
“Today we also had a legal aid clinic and engaged lawyers who gave free legal aid to residents of Garissa. As a civil society, we will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure violations do not occur,” he said.
Garissa’s Muslim for Human Rights (Muhuri) Abdishukr Jele said citizens can greatly take part in ending human rights violations by standing up for injustice.
Abdishukr reiterated that nobody is above the law, including the head of state, adding that Kenya's constitution has provided all mechanisms to deal with criminals instead of working outside the judicial system.
Top Stories Today
