Amnesty International has urged the Dutch Royal Couple to prioritize human rights discussions during their visit to Kenya from March 18 to 20. The organization highlighted recent human rights violations, advocating for accountability and placing human rights at the core of Dutch-Kenyan relations. Activists have mobilized public support against the visit due to concerns over violence against protesters.
Amnesty International has reached out to Dutch authorities in anticipation of the Royal Couple’s bilateral talks with Kenyan officials during their upcoming visit. In a statement issued on March 15, the organization emphasized the need for discussions to focus on human rights violations that have recently affected Kenya. This request comes as various efforts to halt the visit over the past few months have been unsuccessful.
The statement highlighted the importance of placing human rights at the forefront of the discussions. “As Dutch authorities prepare for the official state visit to Kenya this week to intensify bilateral Dutch-Kenya relations, Amnesty International calls on both authorities to place human rights at the heart of the visit,” it pointed out, urging commitments to accountability for the victims of recent human rights abuses.
Since the Gen Z protests in June 2024, human rights activists have launched campaigns against forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. This concern has been pivotal in the movement to prevent the Royal Family’s visit. Following the announcement of the trip, Kenyans have written thousands of letters and initiated an online petition opposing the visit.
Irungu Houghton, Director of Amnesty Kenya, commented, “The Dutch state visit to Kenya takes place following violent attacks on peaceful demonstrations, with many protestors killed or injured by the authorities.” In his plea, Houghton urged the Royal Couple and accompanying ministers to prioritize discussions on human rights over economic or military matters during their visit.
“The three Dutch ministers and the Royal Couple must use this opportunity to place human rights at the centre of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the Netherlands,” the statement asserted. Additionally, it emphasized that clarity is required on how human rights issues will improve during the visit, arguing that economic and military interests should not overshadow the pressing human rights concerns.
The Royal Couple’s state visit to Kenya is scheduled from Tuesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 20. This visit has also drawn scrutiny from several members of the Dutch Parliament, as reported by the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad on March 10.
In summary, Amnesty International’s intervention underscores the pressing need to address human rights issues during the Dutch Royal Couple’s impending visit to Kenya. The organization advocates for a focus on accountability and the welfare of victims amidst ongoing human rights abuses in the country. As the visit approaches, both Dutch and Kenyan officials face mounting pressure to ensure that human rights are prioritized over economic and military engagements.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
