- Sent by Dan
Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:40:48 +0300

PRESS RELEASE: UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN KENYA, CALLS FOR TRUTH AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Yvon Edoumou

Geneva, 21 January 2008-- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, today reiterated her deep concern about the continued violence and reports of grave human rights abuses in Kenya, following the December 27 elections. She strongly denounced the numerous inter-ethnic killings and conveyed her sympathy to the families of the victims and those who have been wounded and displaced in the past few weeks. She also condemned the use of live ammunition by Kenyan police in responding to protests, reportedly resulting in numerous deaths, including children.

The High Commissioner recalled that Kenya is party to a number of Human Rights instruments that provide for among others, the right to life, freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. In reminding the Government to abide by its human rights obligations, she called for an impartial investigation into the serious allegations of breaches of those standards.

“The killings have to be investigated expediously and impartially, and anyone found responsible for human rights abuses must be brought to justice”, the High Commissioner said. “There must not be, in any case, impunity for what has occurred in Kenya the past few weeks”.

In expressing support for the efforts undertaken by the international community to restore peace, the High Commissioner called on Kenyan leaders to engage in open and constructive dialogue, including addressing the serious human rights violations that have occurred.

“Any lasting peace in Kenya must be based on truth and accountability”, the High Commissioner said.

On 31 December 2007, the High Commissioner issued a statement condemning the outbreak of violence.