Friday, November 20, 2009

Its the Hague

Masterminds of the 2008 post election chaos will be served with a notice by 27th July next year.

In his letter dated 19th November to Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo, Chief Prosecutor Lousi Moreno Ocampo is seeking authorization of the government to present the matter to the pre trial chamber at The Hague in a week's time.

Mr. Ocampo has confirmed the process has started.

Efforts by Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara to introduce a bill that would allow the creation of a local special tribunal to try the victims of the post poll chaos, hit a snag after the house suffered a quorum hitch last week.

Imanyara channel looks like it's really a sad moment.

Mutula is however optimistic that the bill could still come through.

This may well be the latest indication yet that Mr. Ocampo is intent on making true his promise, to make Kenya an example to the world in fighting impunity.

Ocampo in his visit to Kenya early November met the two principles, urging them to take the formal but groundbreaking step that would allow it to take up investigation and prosecution of high-profile suspects, six of whom are believed to be Cabinet ministers.

Elsewhere, Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs Mutula Kilonzo has urged politicians, civil society and members of the pubic to support the harmonized draft constitution that advocates for the rights of children.

According to Mutula, the current constitution does not recognize the rights of children in any clause.

Mutula Kilonzo was speaking to delegates during a United Nations Children's Fund campaign on the convention on the rights of the child in Nairobi.

"The time to recognize children rights in our constitution is now." He said adding that children have a special place in the society and it is the duty of the law to protect them.

Mutula also said that the government is developing a child protection system aimed at reducing child abuse and promised to increase funding towards this initiative.

Mutula expressed his concerns that children's cases in courts are taking longer to be solved and this is therefore infringing on their rights. He however said that all measures have been put to place to address this issue.

There is need to protect the dignity and rights of children according to Professor Jacqueline Oduol, Secretary for children's Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development.

Speaking during the same function, Professor Oduol urged the media fraternity to protect the identity of children when reporting on issues affecting their lives as poor reporting could affect their self esteem.

Professor Oduol also noted that her ministry is working together with Japan in co-coordinating a four year training course on childcare and protection for all government officers.

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