Amnesty International Calls for Human Rights Focus During Dutch Royal Visit to Kenya

Amnesty International has urged the Dutch Royal Couple to prioritize human rights discussions during their upcoming state visit to Kenya amidst ongoing concerns over human rights violations in the country. This call follows increased activism against extrajudicial killings since the June 2024 protests, as Kenyans strive to halt the visit amidst a backdrop of recent violent crackdowns.

Amnesty International has appealed to the Dutch authorities to emphasize human rights during the upcoming state visit of the Royal Couple to Kenya. This request was made in a statement issued on March 15, urging the Royal Family to prioritize discussions on the human rights violations that have recently emerged in the nation.

The advocacy group’s call for focusing on human rights comes after prior attempts to halt the visit garnered no support. Amnesty International stressed that discussions should address past atrocities and ensure accountability for victims following an intensified crackdown on human rights.

Following the protests that took place in June 2024, activists have heightened their campaigns against actions such as forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, which are now central to their appeals to stop the Royal Family’s visit. Citizens in Kenya have expressed their dissent through thousands of letters and an online petition aimed at preventing the visit.

Irungu Houghton, the Director of Amnesty Kenya, highlighted that this state visit occurs amid violent actions against peaceful demonstrators, leading to injuries and fatalities. He implored the visiting Royal Couple and the accompanying ministers to deprioritize economic and military discussions in favor of addressing human rights issues.

Amnesty International further urged both Kenyan and Dutch officials to clearly outline a plan during the visit to enhance human rights in Kenya, stressing that economic and military agendas should not override the commitment to human dignity. The Royal Couple’s state visit is scheduled to occur from March 18 to March 20.

The Dutch Royal Couple’s impending visit to Kenya has garnered significant attention, particularly due to concerns raised by Amnesty International regarding human rights violations in the country. The organization insists that human rights should be placed at the forefront of diplomatic discussions, urging meaningful dialogue on the current human rights situation rather than economic interests. Thus, it reflects the ongoing commitment to championing human rights amidst complex diplomatic relations.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke