Kenya joins UN Human Rights Council despite opposition
Kenya has been elected United Nations Human Rights Council member for a three-year term starting 1st January 2025. This feat at the United Nations General Assembly came despite opposition by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which faulted the East African country for poor treatment of its nationals by state agencies. Kenya applied for the seat on 27th September 2024.
KHRC led the call with other human rights groups in opposing Kenya’s candidacy accusing the government of violating international laws, treaties and conventions on the protection of human rights.
Some of the reasons cited in their letter to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council include abductions and enforced disappearances, defiance of court orders, unlawful killings, weaponized regulatory frameworks and the governments’ social and economic decisions that do not favour the people.
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body that is within the UN system that comprises 47 States which have been mandated to protect and promote all human rights worldwide. The states elected to be part of the Human Rights Council are, therefore, expected to show their commitment and uphold the highest standards of human rights, including their full cooperation with all UN mechanisms, as outlined in the UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251.
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According to Ekitela Lokaale, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, who spoke after Kenya became a member, said the vote underscores the global community’s confidence in the country’s commitment to promoting human rights.
Furthermore, he highlighted the significant role that digital transformation has played in promoting the growth and development in Kenya and encouraged the full participation of older persons in sustainable development as custodians of our heritage, history and transmitters of the social values.
“A proud moment as we join the Human Rights Council to serve and advance the human rights of every person through partnerships built on equality, constructive dialogue, and a shared commitment to the principles of justice, human dignity and non-discrimination,” he remarked.
Kenya was elected alongside 18 other countries including Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.
