State agencies and civil society organizations have joined hands to strongly condemn violation of human rights in the country. Various historical injustices have gone uncompensated for even after many victims countrywide recording statements with the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).
Over 40,000 victims from across the country recorded statements of varied forms which include cases of massacres, assassinations, enforced disappearances, unlawful detention,torture, sexual violence, economic marginalization, discrimination of minority groups among others.
TJRC established that the violations were perpetuated in the context of the state security agencies and causing ongoing, long lasting and devastating physical, psychological, political and socio economic effects on individuals.
Kagwiria Mbogori, Chairperson for the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), said that the International law recognizes the right of victims and survivors to know about the circumstances of serious violations of their rights.
“Thousands of individuals and communities across our nation have suffered cruelty, torture and inhumane treatment, those at the forefront of defending human rights have not been spared either,” said Mbogori.
The Chair was speaking in Nairobi during the International Day for the right to the truth concerning gross human rights violations and dignity of the victims.
She explained that KNCHR receives numerous cases of human rights violations and they are handled with deserved seriousness. The Commission is also working to unearth the truths around the violations for purposes seeking redress.
Mrs Mbogori added that historical injustices since 1963 to 2008 have been uncovered by the TJRC and statements gathered from affected individuals together with the communities. This is mainly to mend the nation and foster peace among communities.
The report by the TJRC submitted to the president in May 2013 sought for consideration and implementation of requirements in favor of survivors.
However, the national assembly has to date not considered or acted on the report. The states continued delay to implementation denies the country an opportunity to address repatriations for victims.
So far, victims and survivors of violation injustices have applauded measures taken to specifically put in place repatriation regulations and operational funds.
KNCHR and TJRC intend to push the state to hasten its steps and urgently finalize, gazette and implement the regulations for operalization of the Fund to provide victims with a considerable measure.
