NCIC proposes stricter regulations for peace-building activities in bid to curb hate speech
The commission argues that this intervention is necessary to prevent peace-building activities from turning into political meetings or fostering ethnic and religious divisions.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has proposed stricter regulations to curb the use of peace-building meetings as platforms for spreading hate speech and radicalisation.
In its submissions to the National Assembly on the National Cohesion and Integration Bill 2023, the commission is seeking increased authority to supervise and regulate peace-building missions across the country.
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Under the proposed changes, NCIC would gain the power to approve or reject organisations or individuals wishing to conduct peace-building projects, as well as oversee the financial sources for these initiatives.
The commission argues that this intervention is necessary to prevent peace-building activities from turning into political meetings or fostering ethnic and religious divisions.
“We want to ensure that peace-building projects do not instigate, perpetuate, or deepen instability or strife in any area,” the commission said in its proposals.
“Some meetings disguised as peace-building missions have turned into breeding grounds for political campaigns or have incited ethnic animosity.”
Additionally, the commission has raised concerns about meetings that, while presented as peace-building, have been used to radicalise young people along religious lines, further contributing to social divisions.
According to the NCIC’s recommendations, anyone intending to conduct peace-building activities would be required to submit detailed information to the commission, including the names of those in charge, a description of the proposed project, and a statement on the source of funding.
Applicants would also need to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and provide a history of similar initiatives, particularly in the targeted community.
Currently, the NCIC’s mandate under Article 27 of the Constitution includes promoting peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for diversity, as well as ensuring equal access to services for all ethnic and social groups. The commission is also responsible for developing policies to promote national values and governance principles.
The proposed changes to the National Cohesion and Integration Bill target Clause 5, which outlines the commission’s functions. Among the key proposals is the power to establish ethical standards for individuals and organisations engaged in peace-building activities.
Further, the commission is seeking to implement a monitoring system to track the progress and impact of peace-building projects. This would include setting standards for best practices in the field, to ensure that all peace-building efforts contribute to lasting cohesion and integration.
“A person who intends to engage in a peace-building project in Kenya shall notify the Commission of the project and give details about the project,” the commission emphasised in its proposals.
The NCIC’s proposed changes aim to strengthen the oversight of peace-building activities, ensuring that they truly serve their intended purpose of fostering national unity.
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