The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called on the government to ensure the minority tribes in the country are recognised.
The commission in a statement on Wednesday advised the government to develop a policy and specific national legislation on Indigenous People in Kenya.
This, KNCHR said, will provide for their recognition and enhance the protection of among others ancestral land rights, the freedom of religion and or belief for the Nubian, Endorois and Ogiek communities in Kenya.
It will further ensure meaningful participation and genuine consultation of Indigenous People in all public affairs among other safeguards.
The statement was in celebration of the 2023 World Indigenous People's Day which is observed on August 9 of every year.
The KNHRC chairperson Roseline Odede further wants the government to adopt a human rights based approach to conservation that will appreciate the role and significant contribution of indigenous people to climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
“The KNCHR notes that conservation efforts have often times disadvantaged indigenous people who have since time immemorial engaged in conservation of their environment,” Odede said.
“The KNCHR has documented instances of evictions and resultant violations against Indigenous forest dwelling communities that have occurred in the pursuit of conservation,” she added.
She noted that indigenous people in the country continue to struggle for recognition of their identities, their way of life and the right to their ancestral lands.
She acknowledged the importance of ancestral land to the minority tribes, noting that it enables them to enjoy other rights such as the right to culture and religion.
“Eviction of indigenous people from their ancestral lands has made it practically impossible for them to enjoy their culture, development, and religion among other rights,” she said.
This year’s theme is ‘Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination’.
The day presents an opportunity to take stock of the progress made in the protection of the rights of Indigenous People, increase awareness of and champion their rights as well as celebrate their successes.
