On 12 July 2018, KELIN with support from UNDP- Kenya launched a documentary and two reports that showcased the best practices, and lessons learned from the implementation of a five-year project titled “Enhancing the legal environment for an effective HIV response in Kenya”. The project, which was implemented in the counties of Kilifi, Mombasa, Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisumu and Homa Bay, was premised on the fact that the legal environment, law enforcement and justice systems have an immense potential to better the lives of people living with and affected by HIV & TB.
The meeting was attended by over 40 stakeholders representing communities of people living with and affected by HIV & TB, judiciary officials, law enforcement officers, representatives of the various UN agencies, lawyers, community health volunteers, and civil society organizations.
In her key note address, the chief guest Justice Mumbi Ngugi, Resident Judge Kericho County, urged civil society organizations and communities to be vigilant and active in order to make the Constitution of Kenya 2010 a living document. She noted that through this project, KELIN with its partners have successfully litigated cases to protect rights of people living with HIV both at the High Court and HIV and AIDS Tribunal. This is what is needed to actualize the rights in the Constitution.
Ms Ludfine Bunde, Community Mobilisation and Networking Advisor, UNAIDS Kenya, while making remarks on behalf of the UNAIDS Country Director Jantine Jacobi, noted that it is critical to document the successes, lessons learned and challenges of projects to inform the future of the HIV response. On his part, Mr Ambrose Rachier, chair of KELIN’s Board, appreciated the progress that has been made so far in the HIV response and urged all to continue with efforts for the respect of the rights of those living with affected by HIV & TB.
“KELIN will continue to advance human rights for the vulnerable through fundraising and implementing recommendations provided within the reports. It is hoped that other like-minded stakeholders and partners will draw lessons from the reports and consider replicating the successes in their programmes “, said Mr Allan Maleche, Executive Director of KELIN, at the close of the meeting. He further added that the reports will also be shared during the 22nd International AIDS Conference that will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 23-27 July 2018.
Resources:
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Report: Trends in HIV:TB Human Rights Violations and Interventions
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Report: Enhancing the Legal Environment for an Effective HIV Response In Kenya
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Video: Enhancing the Legal Environment for Effective HIV Response in Kenya
To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hash tag #HIVRights
Twitter: @KELINkenya
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information contact:
Allan Maleche
Executive Director
Mombasa Road, Somak building 4th Floor
P O Box 112 – 00200 KNH Nairobi,
Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: 0790 487473, 0722 747382
E-mail: amaleche@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
