The United Nations General Assembly elected Kenya to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025. Kenya joins a prestigious group of 18 other nations, 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. This election is a significant achievement for Kenya and signals the global community’s recognition of the country’s commitment to human rights, despite domestic opposition from civil society organizations.
Kenya’s Application and Election to the HRC
Kenya’s journey to the HRC began with its application for a seat on September 27, 2024. The election was held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, and Kenya secured its position on the 47-member council, which is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The HRC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is one of the most influential intergovernmental bodies within the United Nations system, tasked with addressing human rights issues and responding to violations in member states.
The HRC’s responsibilities are broad and impactful, as it can investigate thematic human rights issues and situations that require immediate attention. States elected to the council are expected to uphold the highest standards of human rights, which includes cooperation with all UN mechanisms, as outlined in UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251. These expectations ensure that the elected countries not only comply with global human rights norms but also actively engage in initiatives to prevent human rights abuses and improve global standards.
Significance of the Election for Kenya
Kenya’s election to the HRC represents a major diplomatic milestone. The country has previously served on the council and has long been a regional leader in East Africa, with a prominent role in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution. The election is an opportunity for Kenya to further its influence on the global stage and contribute to the ongoing discourse on human rights issues, particularly in Africa. This could include addressing concerns over security, governance, and social justice.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ekitela Lokaale, expressed pride in Kenya’s successful bid, highlighting the global community’s confidence in Kenya’s ability to promote and protect human rights. He emphasized that the overwhelming support Kenya received during the vote demonstrated the international community’s recognition of Kenya’s track record in advancing human rights. The election, Lokaale noted, also provides Kenya with the platform to continue working on areas where there is room for improvement, both domestically and internationally.
Opposition from Civil Society
Despite the positive international recognition, Kenya’s election to the HRC was met with criticism from several human rights organizations. Civil society groups, led by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), raised concerns about Kenya’s human rights record in the lead-up to the election. They accused the Kenyan government of violating international human rights treaties and conventions, citing unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, and defiance of court orders as key areas of concern. These allegations have been persistent in Kenya, particularly in relation to security operations and counterterrorism efforts.
KHRC and other advocacy groups argued that Kenya’s track record on human rights disqualified it from serving on the council. The civil society opposition reflected deep-rooted concerns about the state’s commitment to human rights, with activists pointing out that violations have continued despite promises of reform from the government. They have urged the government to take concrete steps to address these issues, rather than simply deny involvement in alleged abuses.
The Kenyan government, for its part, has consistently denied involvement in many of the human rights violations highlighted by civil society groups. Officials have vowed to investigate cases of unlawful killings, abductions, and disappearances, promising to hold perpetrators accountable. However, human rights advocates argue that the government’s efforts have been insufficient and that impunity remains a major problem.
Kenya’s Human Rights Track Record and Global Reputation
Kenya’s election to the HRC raises questions about the country’s human rights record and the international community’s standards for selecting council members. While Kenya has been praised for its efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region, it has also faced significant criticism for its domestic human rights challenges.
In recent years, Kenya has taken steps to improve its human rights landscape, including the establishment of institutions such as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which monitors and promotes human rights compliance. The country has also ratified key international human rights treaties, aligning itself with global norms and standards.
However, human rights violations have continued to be a concern, particularly in the context of security operations. Kenya’s counterterrorism efforts, which intensified after the 2013 Westgate Mall attack and subsequent terror threats, have been marred by accusations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Civil society groups have documented numerous cases of suspected terrorists and civilians being unlawfully detained or killed by security forces, with little accountability.
In addition to security-related human rights issues, Kenya has faced criticism for its treatment of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Gender-based violence, child labor, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons remain significant challenges, despite the government’s efforts to address these issues through legislation and policy initiatives.
The global community’s confidence in Kenya’s ability to contribute to the HRC likely stems from the country’s leadership in regional diplomacy, its role in international peacekeeping missions, and its efforts to align with international human rights standards. However, the election also highlights the complex balance between a country’s international reputation and its domestic human rights challenges.
The Role of the HRC and Kenya’s Potential Impact
As a member of the HRC, Kenya will have the opportunity to contribute to global human rights policy and address pressing issues, particularly in Africa. The council’s work spans a wide range of human rights issues, including civil and political rights, economic and social rights, and emerging challenges such as climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations.
Kenya’s presence on the HRC provides an opportunity for the country to advocate for human rights reforms not only within its borders but also across the African continent. The country’s role as a regional power means it can play a crucial part in shaping the HRC’s agenda, particularly in addressing human rights issues related to conflict, governance, and development.
Moreover, Kenya’s election comes at a time when the HRC is under increasing scrutiny for its ability to effectively address human rights violations worldwide. Critics argue that the council has been slow to respond to crises and has sometimes been hindered by political considerations. Kenya, with its history of peacekeeping and mediation, could bring a valuable perspective to the council’s work, particularly in preventing human rights abuses and promoting early warning mechanisms to avert crises.
Conclusion
Kenya’s election to the UN Human Rights Council is a significant achievement that highlights the global community’s confidence in the country’s commitment to promoting human rights. While Kenya faces criticism from civil society groups over its human rights record, its election presents an opportunity for the country to address these concerns and demonstrate leadership on the global stage. As a member of the HRC, Kenya will have the chance to contribute to international human rights policy and advocate for reforms that can benefit not only Kenya but also the broader African region.
