Enhancing national dialogues on justice

About the project

Kituo Cha Sheria and REDRESS are empowering people affected by post-election violence in Kenya. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) set up by the government recommended the establishment of a reparations program which has yet to be implemented. The national judiciary is in the process of establishing an International Crimes Division to try the crimes committed during the post-election violence. In addition, legislation was passed to deal with the vast numbers of internally displaced people (IDP) which has yet to be enforced. So far, these transitional justice mechanisms have not fully addressed post-election violence concerns.

With the aid of a Commonwealth Foundation grant, Kituo Cha Sheria and REDRESS are empowering the people affected by the violence to meaningfully engage in the transitional justice process and ensure their voices are heard. Community based organisations representing people affected by violence, will be trained in human rights and advocacy, enabling them to advocate for their rights in dialogue meetings with national institutions.

Kituo Cha Sheria and REDRESS are both esteemed organisations in the field: Kituo Cha Sheria is a legal aid centre that was established in 1973 while REDRESS has worked to obtain justice for torture survivors worldwide since 1992. Together, they will use the grant to work with civil society organisations (CSOs), with community based organisations (CBOs) and with other local groups to ensure that the transitional justice process in Kenya is victim-centred. “Transitional justice is not only about rebuilding state institutions but it is also about empowering those whose rights were violated. This is why this project makes a difference.” says Beini Ye, Post-Conflict Legal Adviser at REDRESS.