Amnesty International has urged the Dutch authorities to prioritize human rights discussions during the Royal Couple’s upcoming visit to Kenya. Highlighting recent human rights abuses, they call for accountability amid rising public opposition and extensive advocacy efforts to halt the visit. The emphasis is on ensuring human rights take precedence over economic or military interests in bilateral discussions.
Amnesty International has appealed to the Dutch government to prioritize human rights discussions during the Dutch Royal Couple’s imminent state visit to Kenya. In a statement issued on March 15, the organization emphasized addressing recent human rights abuses that have occurred in the country over the past months, especially following calls to halt the visit that went unheeded.
The human rights advocacy group highlighted the importance of placing human rights at the forefront of the bilateral talks scheduled for the upcoming week. Their call came in light of the situation exacerbated by the Gen Z protests in June 2024, where activists have been vocal against forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, using these injustices to motivate public opposition to the Royal Family’s visit.
Kenyans have mobilized considerable advocacy efforts against the visit, including sending thousands of letters to Dutch officials and initiating an online petition. Irungu Houghton, Amnesty Kenya’s Director, underscored the recent violent repression against peaceful demonstrators, which resulted in numerous casualties.
Houghton further urged the Dutch Royal Couple and accompanying ministers to focus primarily on human rights rather than economic or military agendas during their discussions. “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 advocated.
The planned state visit will occur from March 18 to March 20. Dutch Members of Parliament have expressed concerns regarding the trip, highlighting the ongoing discussions around prioritizing human rights over other interests, as reported by the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad (AD) on March 10.
In summary, the upcoming state visit of the Dutch Royal Couple to Kenya is poised under scrutiny, particularly from Amnesty International, which advocates for prioritizing human rights discussions in light of recent abuses. The organization’s calls for accountability amidst public outcry reflect broader concerns regarding the implications of prioritizing diplomatic relations over pressing human rights issues.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
