On August 22-23, 2024, KELIN hosted a crucial workshop in Nairobi, bringing together diverse Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the health sector to prepare a comprehensive report on the status of the Right to Health in Kenya. This report is set to be presented during the Fourth Cycle, 57th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2025.
The UPR process is a pivotal UN mechanism that reviews the human rights records of member states, offering CSOs a unique opportunity to hold governments accountable. Kenya’s review is scheduled for February 2025, with the deadline for CSO submissions in September 2024. The Nairobi workshop provided an essential platform for stakeholders—including those from Digital Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Health, HIV/TB, Key Populations, and Sexual Violence sectors—to collaborate on a joint report that assesses Kenya’s progress and gaps since the last UPR cycle.
KELIN emphasized the power of collaboration, urging organizations to unite in developing recommendations that advance key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and rights. The East African Centre for Human Rights (EACHRights), as the secretariat of the Kenya Stakeholders Coalition on the UPR, highlighted the need for the report to include strong recommendations on resource allocation, legal reforms, and policy implementation to fully realize the Right to Health.
The workshop fostered a spirit of cooperation among CSOs, setting the stage for a robust and inclusive UPR process. Before submitting the report, KELIN, along with the Coalition, will engage with relevant government ministries to review Kenya’s progress on past recommendations and gather credible information. Additionally, KELIN plans to hold pre-session meetings in Kenya and Geneva ahead of the UPR to ensure that the voices of civil society are heard loud and clear.
“KELIN remains dedicated to advancing the right to health for all, and this UPR process is a crucial step in holding our government accountable and pushing for meaningful change,” said Elise Milimu, Program Officer at KELIN.
To stay involved and contribute to this important discussion, follow KELIN on our social media platforms:
Twitter: @KELINKenya
Facebook: KELIN Kenya
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
For more information, contact:
Elise Milimu
Program Officer – Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights
KELIN
Email: elsiemilimu@kelinkenya.org
