The Third Stakeholders’ Convening on Human Rights in Eastern Africa, organized by Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA), began this week, spotlighting efforts to enhance human rights across the region. The event, hosted by a consortium of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from East, Southern, and West Africa, aims to strengthen the African Union’s African Governance Architecture (AGA) agenda on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights.
Former Chief Justice Emeritus Hon. Justice David Maraga
Chief Justice Emeritus Hon. Justice David Maraga opened the convening with a keynote address underscoring the importance of evidence-based advocacy in advancing human rights. Maraga emphasized the crucial role of data in guiding CSOs and highlighted the universal desire for reconciliation, reparation, and reconstitution in societies recovering from conflict.
“In all conflict cases, there is a disregard for human rights,” Maraga stated, stressing the judiciary’s essential role in upholding the rule of law and human dignity. He also addressed issues of court underfunding and the intimidation faced by judges, calling for increased efforts to safeguard human rights across the region.
Professor Paul Kamau of the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Development Studies (IDS)
Professor Paul Kamau of the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Development Studies (IDS) voiced concerns over dwindling public trust in institutions tasked with protecting human rights. “Afrobarometer report shows that only 34 percent of Kenyans trust the police and courts, a situation worsened by recent reports of excessive force during protests.” Kamau explained
The week-long convening is designed to encourage dialogue among government officials, CSO representatives, academics, and international observers. Discussions will focus on policy recommendations, best practices, and strategies to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law in Eastern Africa.
