Amnesty International has urged the Dutch Royal Couple to focus on human rights during their upcoming state visit to Kenya from March 18 to March 20, 2024, amid concerns over recent human rights abuses in the country. Activists have campaigned against the visit due to violent repression of protests and ongoing issues involving forced disappearances.
Amnesty International has reached out to the Dutch government to prioritize human rights discussions during the Dutch Royal Couple’s upcoming state visit to Kenya. On March 15, the organization emphasized the importance of addressing recent human rights violations in the country, particularly following several months of widespread activism against atrocities.
The advocacy group’s letter reflects a last attempt to influence the trip, as previous calls to cancel the visit have gone unheeded. They urged Dutch authorities to ensure that human rights are central to their conversations, particularly addressing the violent repression of protests that occurred during the Gen Z demonstrations in June 2024.
Amnesty International highlighted ongoing issues such as forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, which have driven activists to campaign against the Royal Couple’s visit. In recent weeks, many Kenyans have actively participated in sending letters and signing online petitions calling for the visit to be halted.
Irungu Houghton, the Director of Amnesty Kenya, stated, “The Dutch state visit to Kenya takes place following violent attacks on peaceful demonstrations, with many protestors killed or injured by the authorities.” He called on the Royal Couple and accompanying Dutch ministers to focus on human rights, urging them to set aside economic and military topics during discussions.
Amnesty International insisted that both Dutch and Kenyan officials should publicly commit to improving the human rights situation in Kenya during the visit, reaffirming that these issues must not be overshadowed by economic or military interests. The Royal Couple’s state visit is scheduled from March 18 to March 20, 2024.
In summary, Amnesty International has made a significant call for the Dutch Royal Couple to prioritize human rights discussions during their state visit to Kenya. With ongoing concerns over human rights violations, especially following violent protests, the organization urges both nations to focus on accountability and improvements in this area over economic and military interests. The visit is projected to take place between March 18 and March 20, 2024.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
