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| Courtesy: Sunway Echo Media |
“I know my rights!” This is often a statement that most Kenyans will use when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law or better still the law enforcers. You are also likely to hear the statement when the turn of events is against one prediction.
You know for sure you are entitled to so some basic rights. If you have never heard about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, you have at least heard of Chapter 4 of the Kenyan Constitution which covers the bill of rights. So what are these rights and do you understand what they represent?
In recent years, there has been an increased knowledge of the basic fundamental rights following the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010. These basic rights include; the right to life, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination, the right to freedom and security, the prohibition of slavery, servitude & forced labor, and the freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion. [Source: CICKenya]
Despite people knowing their basic rights, this has not guaranteed the enjoyment of their rights. There continue to be reports of police brutality, mob justice, domestic violence, inhumane killings, discrimination for employment, political discrimination, and even restriction of living in certain areas just to mention but a few. Kenyans still suffer a great deal when it comes to enjoying their rights and freedoms and it has become the order of the day.
Someone once said that the situation is at least better compared to the ‘Nyayo’ era or post-colonial government. This is just the most retrogressive way of thinking. Should we compare ourselves to the worst or the best? Violation of basic human rights should become a historical subject. Rights and freedoms are guaranteed to all Kenyans and should be accorded to all.
Human rights violations can only come to an end once people fully understand their rights and privileges. In addition, there has to be continuous exposure and public accountability on matters of human rights abuse and violation.
The 4th Estate has for ages been the government’s watchdog in all matters including violation of rights. In the digital age, there is an emerging force that is self-governed, dynamic, and considered to be among the greatest global social influencing platform; this is blogging.
Blogging is a powerful tool that, can push the attainment of full democracies and the preservation of human rights. The dynamic nature of blogs makes them easy to use and share, hence wide reach. Just a simple picture with accompanying 10 words is enough to be a blog post. Blogs can, therefore, be used like wildfire to spread the news on human rights violations.
Apart from exposing violations, blogs can also be used as educational tools. An old adage goes like, your rights end where my nose begins. People can be educated about their rights and privileges as well as how not to infringe on others' rights. For every Kenyan to enjoy their rights they will need to understand the rights of others. Blogging can provide an opportunity to break down the different rights and explain them in layman's language. Every right comes with equal responsibility hence the need for comprehensive information.
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| Courtesy: Msafiri Magazine |
Some rights are taken to be the responsibility of the government such as; access to basic education and a healthy living standard of living.
Blogging can be a tool used to hold the government accountable and push local authorities to ensure that these rights are enjoyed by every Kenyan.
It is through blogging platforms that those upholding human rights can be applauded and local heroes recognized. There are many people in local communities fighting for the rights of others and their stories remain untold. Sharing such stories will encourage responsible citizenship and reduce instances of human rights violations.
The dynamic nature of blogs can help establish human rights champions. These are bloggers who are committed to issues of human rights. They could serve as the knowledge desk where people can get information on human rights as well as updates on what’s happening around the country. They could also spearhead digital campaigns on human rights.
To sum it up, it goes without saying that blogging can be used as a powerful tool to uphold, inform, champion, and enhance Human Rights in Kenya.
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