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How to put a stop to election-related sexual violence in Kenya

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How to put a stop to election-related sexual violence in Kenya

Source: Physicians for Human Rights

Institutional weaknesses undermine the prevention of and response to sexual violence during electoral periods in Kenya, according to a new report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and UN Women.

Since the 1990s, elections in Kenya have been marred by violence, including pervasive sexual violence perpetrated by security forces and civilians. To date, there has been no accountability for crimes of electoral-related sexual violence perpetrated during elections, nor justice and reparations for the survivors.

Against this backdrop, OHCHR, PHR, and UN Women undertook the human rights-based assessment – “Breaking Cycles of Violence: Gaps in Prevention of and Response to Electoral-Related Sexual Violence in Kenya” – conducting field research based on key informant interviews and medical-legal record reviews in Bungoma, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Vihiga counties. The research team extensively engaged with survivors of sexual violence and government agencies in the health, security, and legal sectors mandated to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Click here to read the full article published by Physicians for Human Rights on 17 December 2019.

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Region

Institutional weaknesses undermine the prevention of and response to sexual violence during electoral periods in Kenya, according to a new report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and UN Women.

Since the 1990s, elections in Kenya have been marred by violence, including pervasive sexual violence perpetrated by security forces and civilians. To date, there has been no accountability for crimes of electoral-related sexual violence perpetrated during elections, nor justice and reparations for the survivors.

Against this backdrop, OHCHR, PHR, and UN Women undertook the human rights-based assessment – “Breaking Cycles of Violence: Gaps in Prevention of and Response to Electoral-Related Sexual Violence in Kenya” – conducting field research based on key informant interviews and medical-legal record reviews in Bungoma, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Vihiga counties. The research team extensively engaged with survivors of sexual violence and government agencies in the health, security, and legal sectors mandated to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Click here to read the full article published by Physicians for Human Rights on 17 December 2019.

News
Region