We, a collective body of Jurists, are deeply concerned about the increasing spread of the COVID19 virus in Kenya. While we laud the Government for providing directions and taking actions aimed at enhancing measures towards preventing the pandemic, ICJ Kenya is deeply concerned by the continued Human Rights Violations in the midst of fighting the pandemic.
While the measures taken by the government are necessary, they have led to an increase in human rights violations such as sexual and gender-based violence, police brutality, illegal detention in quarantine centers among others.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global emergency. It is not only a health crisis but also a human rights crisis. Government actors are currently facing overwhelming responsibilities as they design, implement and enforce new measures to prevent the spread of the infection.
We would like to remind the Kenyan Government that even though we experiencing a pandemic, we are not in a state of emergency and therefore our constitutional and international human rights have not been suspended.
For more information Contact; Moses Okinyi on communications@icj-kenya.org or +254726989713
