Kenya and The Gambia elected to UNHRC

Kenya and The Gambia have both been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year term starting in January 2025 despite protests from human rights groups. Legalbrief reports that they now join the DRC, Ethiopia and Benin – the other African nations on the council. Based in Geneva, the Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system, made up of 47 states elected by the General Assembly and are responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the world.  A coalition of civil society organisations voiced opposition to Kenya's candidacy for a seat at the UNHRC ahead of the voting last week, arguing Nairobi has not sorted its respect for civil liberties. According to The East African, in an open letter, the groups urged UN member states to reject Kenya’s candidacy, citing a series of abuses they attribute to President William Ruto’s administration. CapitalFM reports that the coalition of organisations – including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Muslims for Human Rights – claimed that systemic violations such as unlawful killings, abductions and police brutality have persisted, undermining Kenya’s obligations under both national and international human rights frameworks. ‘Two years into President Ruto's term, Kenyans continue to witness a deeply entrenched culture of impunity. Many have fallen victims to gross and systemic human rights violations,’ the letter stated. Kenya's application for a seat is part of its broader efforts to enhance its global standing and contribute to international human rights governance.

Kenya's application faced significant opposition from domestic and international civil society organisations. The East African says among the incidents cited was the brutal suppression of protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, during which at least 60 people were killed. The police have also been accused of abducting 65 individuals and unlawfully detaining over 1 400 peaceful demonstrators. The situation was further aggravated in September, when striking university workers and students were met with teargas and arrests. ‘In the first six months of this year alone, police used excessive force against striking medics and residents of informal settlements opposing arbitrary displacements during floods,’ the letter stated. In addition to the human rights violations, the civil society groups condemned the government's economic policies, describing them as anti-people and harmful to the country’s most vulnerable populations. The letter called attention to the Social Health Insurance Fund, oppressive taxation, and discriminatory development programmes, all of which have exacerbated social and economic inequalities. They also called for international investigations into Kenya’s human rights record, emphasising the need for accountability and justice for the victims of state violence and repression.

The Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad on Friday confirmed the appointment to the UN council. ‘Out of 190 valid votes cast, The Gambia received 181 votes. This follows the successful completion of our first term from 2022-2024,’ the statement said. The Voice reports that The Gambia has played an active role in the council’s work, by serving as vice-president for two consecutive terms and as co-ordinator of the Africa Group for the year 2024. ‘From advocating for peace, climate justice, digital inclusivity, anti-racial discrimination, and the rights of women, children, persons with disability, and youths, The Gambia has remained steadfast in its dedication to advancing justice and protecting vulnerable groups and populations. The Gambia's role as vice-president includes co-ordinating the work of the Africa Group within the HRC, ensuring that the continent’s concerns are reflected in key human rights decisions,’ the statement added.

Meanwhile, in recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty, Amnesty International has called on Kenya and The Gambia as well as Zimbabwe to strike the death penalty from their law books. A report on the allAfrica site notes that Kenya and Zimbabwe have both introduced Bills to abolish the death penalty for all crimes, while The Gambia, which has made steady progress against capital punishment since 2017, is currently amending its Constitution. It has been over a decade since any of these countries carried out an execution. The last execution in Zimbabwe occurred in 2005, though the courts continue to impose death sentences, while in The Gambia, nine soldiers were executed by firing squad in 2012.