Save the Children, an international child rights organization has voiced deep concern about the impact of the ongoing protests on children’s rights and well-being in Kenya.
The NGO, in a statement posted on its website, expressed ‘deep concern’ for what it termed the denial of access to the basic right to safety and education for children.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the Ministries of Education and Interior and National Administration announced the closure of all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and Mombasa.
According to the NGO, this temporary halt in education has affected thousands of children. Although the schools are expected to reopen on Thursday, July 20, 2023, pending a security assessment, the organization expressed apprehension over the potential consequences of disrupting learning.
The organization emphasized that such disruptions could reverse the hard-earned progress made in the education sector. The sector had been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic when many schools were closed. This caused millions of children to miss out on much-needed education.
“While we appreciate the government’s efforts to ensure children’s safety, we must remain aware that an impasse between the involved parties could lead to more children being denied their basic rights to safety and education,” stated Kenneth Sisimwo, Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children Kenya and Madagascar.
“These rights should be safeguarded at all costs. Save the Children is calling upon all parties involved in the protests to take immediate action to protect children’s inalienable right to safe access to quality education,” Sisimwo added.
In other news, the United Nations said it was “very concerned” about the widespread use of violence by police against protesters in Kenya. This is after clashes between police and protesters decrying tax hikes reportedly turned deadly.
“Reports say up to 23 people have been killed in the protests. Dozens have also been injured in the demonstrations in Kenya,” UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said.
Laurence called for “prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted.”
“In light of calls for further protests planned in Kenya, we call on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law.”
United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has also come out strongly to condemn the tear-gassing of children by security forces during the anti-government protests.
Unicef appealed to both the government and the opposition to put in place measures to ensure the safety and protection of children across the country is assured.
This comes after more than 50 pupils were rushed to hospital on Monday, July 10, after police lobbed teargas in their classroom. The pupils of Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi were in their classrooms when the tear gas was lobbed.
The majority of them were deeply shocked and in fear. Some were overwhelmed by the explosion from the canister as well as the tear gas fumes.
According to the locals, the teargas canister was allegedly thrown into the classroom by police officers. The incident occurred as the Kenyan police were dispersing anti-government protesters.
