Faith to Action Network participated in the national consultation on the 4th universal periodic review of Kenya bringing its knowledge and experience in the promotion of Freedom of Religious Beliefs. The meeting brought representatives from over 14 state and non-state agencies to the All-Africa Council of Churches Bishop Desmond Tutu Conference centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting was opened by the JISRA Kenya Chairperson Abdirahman Ismail who urged participants to provide critical input to inform the UPR report that will be submitted at the 2024 UPR session.
According to the Office of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. The UPR provides an opportunity for all States to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. The UPR also includes the sharing of best human rights practices around the globe.
Faith to Action Network brings the voice of inter-faith actors in the country UPR consultations given its role in the JISRA consortium and delivery of JISRA programmes in Kenya, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Uganda. Faith to Action Network has supported country deliberations on structuring pluralism in the context of Freedom of Religious Beliefs and brings best practices from diverse contexts.
In observing the importance of the country’s progress, Dr. Javas Bigambo the lead UPR drafting consultant elaborated on the gains made through jurisprudence that continue to align the actions of State and non-state actors regarding upholding religious freedoms. While Kenya has made strides in terms of change of Government policy about negative profiling based on religious affiliation, there is a need to anchor Government intention and pronouncements in the relevant amendments in laws and statutes”. He said.
In attending the meeting, Peter Munene the Chief Executive Officer of Faith to Action Network underscored the need to share experiences from other country UPR processes and based on best practice, Kenya’s report can be better packaged. “This meeting also underscores how Faith to Action Network engages at the national level and brings its global experience in shaping inter-faith collaboration and cooperation,” Peter added
The meeting had in attendance Faith to Action Network members and partners Chemi Chemi ya Ukweli, theSupreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Coast inter-faith Platform.
