Permanent Mission of India, Geneva
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group
21st Session (19 - 30 January 2015)
2ndUPR of Kenya - Interactive Dialogue
Thursday 22 January 2015, 09:00 am - 12:30 pm
Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. India welcomes the delegation of Kenya.

2. We welcome the adoption of the new constitution in 2010, the successful and peaceful conduct of elections in 2013 and establishment and strengthening of various human rights institutions. Meaningful public participation can be greatly advanced by securing people's right to information. In this regard, efforts for the early adoption of the Freedom of Information Bill (2014) will be welcome.

3. We appreciate the various affirmative actions undertaken by the Government to safeguard women's empowerment. We recommend that the Government of Kenya continues its efforts towards ensuring gender equality in the field of education, health and employment.

4. We note that combating female genital mutilation remains a challenge due to prevailing cultural norms and traditional practices. We request the Government to share information on measure taken to effectively address gender stereotypes and social attitudes that sustain such harmful practices.

5. The report highlights the challenges of poverty and unemployment. We have noted the Government's focus on poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.

6. We welcome the efforts of the Government in combating human trafficking. Kenya may consider ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, to which it is a signatory.

7. We wish Kenya all success in the full realization of its Vision 2030.

Thank you Mr. President.

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