Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Kenya – Intervention by the delegation of Estonia – 23 January 2020

Estonia welcomes the high-level delegation of the Republic of Kenya.

Freedom of the media, including in the internet, is an important pillar of democracy. As such, Estonia values Kenya’s active participation in the Freedom Online Coalition and we encourage Kenya to continue promoting and protecting human rights both offline and online, including by focusing more on people’s right to privacy in the online environment.

We welcome Kenya’s commitment to eradicate female genital mutilation by 2022 and encourage implementing the High Court decision and reinstating the Standards and Guidelines for Reducing Morbidity and Mortality from Unsafe Abortion.

Considering this, Estonia recommends the Republic of Kenya to:

  • Revise and enact the draft data protection bill and create a data protection framework in line with the international standards on the right to privacy.
  • Implement UNSCR 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and security.
  • Eliminate harmful practices against women and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexual education for all women and girls.
  • Ensure that attacks against human rights defenders and journalists are properly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted.

Finally, Estonia is concerned with the high level of gender-based violence against women and girls. We urge the Republic of Kenya to take immediate measures to eliminate the practice of child rape, most notably among the Samburu people, and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies and victim support.

We would like to wish the delegation of Kenya a successful review meeting.

Thank you!