Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a pleasure to be here in Nairobi for political dialogue between the European Union and Kenya, Government as well as civil society.
As we today celebrate Human Rights Day, in commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948, I would like to take the opportunity to say a few words on this very important topic.
Today, a greater share of humanity enjoys better protection of their human rights than at any previous time in history. However, serious violations continue to occur across the world. Reacting to these violations and safeguarding human rights at large is a duty we all share.
The European Union takes the obligation to promote the universal values of human rights seriously. Many new EU member states have recently emerged from repression. The European Union is, thus, well placed to share its experiences with other emerging democracies.
During the Swedish Presidency of the European Union, we have put particular emphasis on the advancement of human rights. Our leading assumptions have been that we must safeguard the rules we have established emanating from the Universal Declaration, and that we must achieve results in the practical enjoyment of human rights.
Human rights of women and children have to be emphasized. Their roles and active participation are central. Gender equality, women’s empowerment and children’s rights are core principles and key priorities for Sweden an the EU. Women are driver and agents of change, and often important human rights defenders.
I would like to particularly highlight the important role of those individuals who dedicate their lives to promoting human rights – some of whom are with us here tonight. Those who promote other people’s rights, sometimes to the point of endangering their own personal safety, should always deserve our strongest support.
At home and during my travels, I always make sure I meet with human rights NGOs. They – you – are often critical of Sweden, and of other countries, and often challenge us. You push our governments to improve respect for human rights, and to deliver on our obligations. The voices of civil society and a free media are crucial to keep us politicians on the right track and alert us to the challenges we all face.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On the African continent, we have seen significant advancement of the institutional framework for human rights over the last couple of decades. Democracy has deepened in Africa and we now share the same core values with most African nations. The African Charter of Human and People’s Rights is the primary African instrument for advancement of human rights on the continent. We look forward to seeing the African Court on Human and People’s Rights start its important task of monitoring the implementation of the Charter. The AU has become a key actor for moving the human rights agenda forward.
In 2007 in Lisbon, the EU and Africa adopted the EU–Africa Strategy, which expresses our shared ambitions and principles and has given us a solid platform for our partnership. This includes Ministerial Troika meetings and an EU–AU Human Rights dialogue at expert level every six months. The close dialogue is necessary for better understanding and for moving the important human rights agenda forward for our mutual benefit.
Kenya is an important partner for the European Union. Kenya’s commitment to regional integration and stability is well-known and appreciated. The EU and Kenya also jointly address issues of regional significance, such as the fight against piracy.
However, the violent crisis after the 2007 elections showed that stability cannot be taken for granted. Respect for human rights, strengthening of democracy and the rule of law, and inclusive policies for effective poverty reduction are indispensable. The National Accord established a comprehensive reform agenda for Kenya. The European Union fully and actively supports the reform process, and strongly commends the continued engagement of Kofi Annan and his fellow eminent personalities in the AU panel.
It is against this background that the European Union troika is visiting Kenya today. We wish to show our strong support and call for a prompt implementation of the much-needed reforms and to discuss with Kenyan leaders how to overcome the obstacles to progress. We know that several crucial processes are underway. One is the comprehensive constitutional review, which advanced when a harmonised draft constitution was launched last month.
But overall, substantial progress still remains to be achieved in many areas, such as judicial and electoral reform. The reform efforts give political leaders – in government and parliament, in political parties and around the country – the opportunity to engage in and recommit to a complete implementation of the National Accord. To achieve this, consensus must be built in the interest of the nation. The EU’s close attention to the unfolding of the reform process reflects our concern and strong commitment to a peaceful and stable development in Kenya.
Human rights must also be claimed by those entitled to them, women and girls, men and boys. Violations of human rights, such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and discrimination against women and girls, must come to an end.
Of particular importance are measures to put an end to impunity. A credible judicial mechanism to end the impunity of the perpetrators of post-election violence is urgently needed and the EU has continuously called for a prompt investigations in order to bring justice to all . This situation makes the role of the International Criminal Court highly relevant.
Let me conclude. World Human Rights Day is an occasion for considering achievements as well as shortcomings in all countries around the world with regard to respect for human rights. Reforms in this area require strong political will and determination. The European Union stands ready to continue its support for reform processes through government institutions and civil society in Africa. We look forward to continued dialogue and cooperation with all Kenyan partners.
I thank you.