Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) 537 views

Background

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an independent National Human Rights Institution created by Article 59 if the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and established through the KNCHR Act of Parliament (the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011. It is the state’s lead agency in the promotion and protection of human rights.

International status
The operations of the KNCHR are guided by the United Nations-approved Paris Principles on the establishment and functioning of independent national human rights institutions. The National Commission has been accredited by the International Co-ordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions (ICC), which is based in Geneva at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as an ‘A status’ institution which means that the Commission has been found to be in compliance with the Principles. The KNCHR is a member of the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), the ICC’s regional grouping for Africa.

Mandate

The Commission plays two key broad mandates;

1. It acts as a watch-dog over the Government in the area of human rights.
2. Provides key leadership in moving the country towards a human rights state.

The main goal of KNCHR is to investigate and provide redress for human rights violations, to research and monitor the compliance of human rights norms and standards, to conduct human rights education, to facilitate training, campaigns and advocacy on human rights as well as collaborate with other stakeholders in Kenya.

Vision

A society that enjoys human rights and fundamental freedoms

Mission

To protect and promote human rights through policy, law and practice

Goal

Increased enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by all

The goal was further internationalized into four (5) strategic objectives as follows;

1. To enhance awareness and empower the public/right holders on human rights and obligations
2. To increase access to justice and redress of human rights violations in private and public spheres
3. To promote the respect and observance of human rights among public and private actors (duty bearers)
4. To enhance state’s compliance with national, regional and international instruments relating to human rights
5. To enhance efficiency, effectiveness, visibility and sustainability of the Commission

Motto
Haki kwa wote, kila wakati (Human Rights for all, all the time)

Core Values

We base our values on the internationally recognized principles of universality; inalienability; indivisibility; interdependence, and inter-relatedness of human rights; and the promotion of the rule of law. We endeavor to uphold the following values;

1. Accessibility: we shall ensure that we are accessible and easily reached by our stakeholders
2. Integrity: All the staff of the Commission shall ensure they always do the right thing, in an honest, fair, and responsible way
3. Independence: In the fulfilment of our mandate the Commission shall ensure high level of independence and impartiality
4. Innovation: The Commission shall embrace value creativity and innovation at every level. We shall continuously seek out new possibilities and solutions to create success.
5. Equality and Non-Discrimination: At KNCHR, we shall ensure that all people treated impartially, fairly and with respect and dignity.
6. Excellence: We shall strive to excel in every aspect of our business and approach every challenge with a determination to succeed.