Day: June 26, 2023

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) Network in Kenya, a platform that is set to foster cooperation and democracy among the related and relevant institutions.

NHRIs are state-mandated bodies, independent of government, with a broad constitutional or legal mandate to protect and promote human rights at the national level and address the full range of human rights, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

The IGAD Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, said that the launch of the National Human Rights Institutions Network (NHRIs) has marked a notable milestone in the endeavor to foster democracy, good governance, and human rights protection in the Region.

‘To deny people their rights is to challenge their very humanity,’ Gebeyehu said.

‘NHRIs serve as the guardians of human rights within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring the rights of every individual are protected and respected,’ he added.

He said that the human rights violation in the IGAD region is a major and entrenched problem revealing that series of conflicts characterised by devastating repercussions in the region.

Gebeyehu further extended deepest sympathy to all Sudanese for the pain and suffering inflicted upon them during the current war that is ravaging the country.

He added that Sudan was a generous host of immigrants for it acted as a home for those running away from home.

‘The establishment of the IGAD NHRIs Network is a testament to our collective resolve to foster regional peace and justice in our region and this platform will serve as a vital stage for sharing experiences, knowledge and collectively advocating for the Advancement of human rights,’ Gebeyehu said.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Commissioner Marion Mutugi said that the IGAD region faces similarities in challenges about human rights issues hence a common platform would provide the synergy required to effectively promote and protect human rights.

‘We, therefore, believe that such a network will enhance the promotion and protection of human rights across the sub-region of IGAD,’ said Mutugi.

She said that members of the network resolved to strengthen information sharing and develop intervention strategies that effectively address cross-border pertinent human rights violations in the IGAD region.

Mutugi stated that the network commits to strengthening the early warning and prevention mechanisms and timely addressing of human rights violations in the IGAD region, adding that members further commit to facilitating experience sharing, peer learning, and best practices on monitoring, promotion, and protection of human and people’s rights.

She reiterated that the Network will be a platform for joint communication on human rights issues within the region, noting that the network particularly records and condemns the human rights violation and violations of international law being perpetuated with the vulnerable groups.

She asked respective heads of state and Government in the IGAD region to support this network of IGAD NHRIs, prioritise human rights issues in each member state, and mainstream a human rights-based approach to peace and development.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 70 elephants have caused mass destruction of crops after invading farms in Mutha location in Kitui County.

The stray elephants are believed to have crossed over from the bordering Tsavo Game Reserve.

Speaking to KNA at their farms in Mutha, the locals decried mass losses they incurred after destruction of their maturing crops and other properties.

The residents said they are living in fear of more crops destruction and even death from attacks by the wild animals.

They asked the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to drive away the elephants immediately and compensate them for the losses caused by the elephants.

‘We are tired of living in fear,’ said one resident. ‘The elephants are destroying our crops and property, the KWS should to take action immediately,’ said Martin Muthui, a local farmer who incurred massive losses of his crops.

The invasion by the elephants has also had a devastating impact on education, as education in local schools in the area have been forced to temporarily close due to the wildlife insecurity.

The Mutha location residents have expressed concern over the safety of their children since the elephants pose danger to their lives.

‘We cannot keep our children in schools when there are elephants roaming around, we are afraid of their safety,’ said Jane Syokau, a resident and a mother.

Officer in charge of KWS at the game reserve warden Jimale Rashid confirmed the presence and invasion of farms by the stray elephants, and said that KWS officers are working round the clock to drive the elephants from the area back to the game reserve.

The irate residents have given the KWS a three days ultimatum to drive the destructive and life-threatening elephants back to the game reserve.

‘We are giving the KWS three days to remove the elephants but if they do not act, then after the three days we will take matters into our own hands,’ said irate residents.

‘We are aware of the invasion of elephants in Mutha area,’ said Rashid. ‘We have dispatched a team of rangers to the area to drive the elephants back to Tsavo Game Reserve. We will also be working with the locals to ensure that the elephants do not return to the area,’ he added.

Rashid urged the locals to remain calm and cooperate with the KWS offices. He said that the KWS is committed to protecting the lives and property of the locals.

Source: Kenya News Agency

World Vitiligo Day is observed on June 25th across the world to recognise and create awareness on people living with the condition. The date was chosen by the renowned musical artist Michael Jackson who also suffered from the condition and highlights struggles faced by vitiligo patients worldwide, with this year’s theme being Vitiligo: Looking into the future.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment or colour. This happens when melanocytes, the skin cells that make pigment are attacked and destroyed causing the skin to turn a milky white colour. The condition is not related to other skin diseases such as albinism or skin cancer.

According to the Global Vitiligo Foundation, statistics indicate that about 70 million people worldwide suffer from the condition, with 10-25 per cent being children.

‘The condition can appear in a person at any age. When it manifests, white patches appear on their face first, then their hands, legs and feet. For some people, their body hair such as eyebrows and hairs on their arms and legs also change colour,’ said Julie Mwangi, a dermatologist and member of the Royal Patches Foundation, an organisation that creates awareness on the condition, during an awareness event held on the day.

Treatment is decided upon based on a patient’s age and physical condition, where doctors decide whether treatments such as drugs, depigmentation therapy, light therapy or skin grafting would be appropriate for them.

Vitiligo as a disease has been shown to cause more psychological than physical distress among patients. Some people diagnosed with the condition develop low self-esteem, and suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression, causing them to avoid social interactions.

‘I was diagnosed at 13 years of age and for many years I struggled with self-esteem issues. I avoided any activity that exposed the whitish spots on my arms and legs because I felt unattractive and incomplete, especially when some of my relatives mocked me and referred to me as a small albino,’ said Phelix Owiny, who is living with the condition.

‘During such times I would refuse to eat and cry myself to sleep. This was before I joined Royal Patches and found a community of people who look just like me. Now I no longer hide my skin or feel out of place. I am currently a skin model and I get to showcase my skin to the world,’ added Owiny.

Counselling sessions by mental health professionals are important for vitiligo patients, as they help alleviate psychological changes associated with the changes to their skin. Such patients need to be encouraged and treated equally as other human beings without discrimination.

Vitiligo as a condition tends to remain static over the years for some people, while for others it has a progressive cause. Understanding the type of vitiligo one has and its medication can definitely help to stop the progression.

‘We encourage people living with the condition to eat healthy, exercise and manage their stress levels and they will live long healthy lives. Awareness of the condition and its symptoms, causes, risk factors, preventative measures and treatment is the way forward and we urge the government to recognise and join our efforts in this venture,’ stated Mwangi.

Source: Kenya News Agency