Amnesty International has urged the Dutch Royal Couple to prioritize human rights discussions during their upcoming visit to Kenya, focusing on recent violations amid protests. The organization emphasizes accountability for victims as the visit has faced opposition from various Kenyan and Dutch activists. Concerns regarding the couple’s trip, reported by Dutch media, highlight the significance of maintaining a human rights-centered narrative in diplomatic relations.
Amnesty International has reached out to the Dutch authorities, urging them to prioritize human rights discussions during the Royal Couple’s upcoming visit to Kenya. With bilateral talks slated for March 18-20, the organization stressed the importance of addressing recent human rights violations in the nation, in light of a series of protests and government crackdowns that have resulted in numerous casualties.
The appeal serves as a final effort to redirect focus towards human rights following previous calls to cancel the visit which did not succeed. Amnesty highlighted the need for accountability for victims amidst a climate of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings that have escalated since the Gen Z protests of June 2024.
Kenyans have actively opposed the Royal Couple’s travel, launching thousands of letters to the Dutch government and initiating an online petition. Amnesty Kenya’s Director, Irungu Houghton, emphasized, “The Dutch state visit to Kenya takes place following violent attacks on peaceful demonstrations, with many protestors killed or injured by the authorities.”
Houghton further recommended that the Royal Couple and accompanying Dutch ministers prioritize human rights above economic and military interests 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 insisted.
In addition to human rights narratives, a faction of the Dutch Parliament has expressed concern regarding the implications of the couple’s visit, as reported by the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad (AD) on March 10. The visit, therefore, is received with mixed sentiments both domestically and internationally, placing human rights at the forefront of discussions.
In summary, Amnesty International’s recent outreach underscores the importance of prioritizing human rights discussions in the face of ongoing violations in Kenya. The Dutch Royal Couple’s upcoming visit is not only a diplomatic engagement but also an opportunity to address pressing human rights issues exacerbated by recent protests. The call from both activists and segments of the Dutch Parliament indicates a growing concern that economic and military matters should not overshadow human rights during this pivotal visit.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
