How Kenya’s Government Failed Women: Daily Brief
Women in Kenya exposed to increased harm from gender-based-violence during the Covid-19 pandemic; breaking news of a coup attempt in Sudan; trial of government critic in Rwanda riddled with irregularities; proposed anti-LGBT bill stokes hostilities in Ghana; UN Human Rights Council should renew mandate of Independent Fact Finding Mission on Libya; and age discrimination imperils rights of older people.
Survivors of gender-based-violence in Kenya faced increased harm during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the authorities’ failure to ensure that they have access to comprehensive and timely medical treatment, mental health care, protection services, and financial assistance, a new Human Rights Watch report finds. Although the government should have anticipated a spike in violence against women and girls during the crisis, its response has been too little, too late.
In breaking news: There has been a coup attempt in Sudan. According to government officials, most of the involved officers have been arrested. Sudan's transitional government has increasingly come under pressure to deliver justice, economic and political reforms amid competing demands from various groups.
The conviction of Rwandan critic and political opponent Paul Rusesabagina - best known as the manager of the Hotel Mille Collines, in central Kigali, where hundreds of people sought protection during the 1994 genocide - comes after a trial that from the moment of Rusesabagina's arrest to the delivery of the verdict has been riddled with irregularities and evidence of political interference. The trial has further compromised the Rwandan judiciary’s credibility in handling cases deemed political.
Arbitrary arrests and detention of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Ghana, and a proposed draconian anti-LGBT bill are causing serious economic hardship and psychological stress for LGBT people. The bill, which is currently under review, would proscribe and criminalize any advocacy of LGBT identity.
The Independent Fact Finding Mission on Libya plays a key role in tackling impunity in the country and giving victims an opportunity to have their voices heard and their rights upheld. United Nations Human Rights Council member states should demonstrate their commitment to accountability for past and ongoing violations in Libya by renewing its mandate.
And lastly: Ageism is so pervasive that discrimination, marginalization & exclusion of older people is the norm, a new UN report finds. Failing to protect the rights of older people has serious consequences. States should ensure that protection from age discrimination receives the same scrutiny as other forms of discrimination.