Maina Kiai undertook an official mission to Rwanda from Jan. 20-27, 2014. The visit was carried out pursuant to his mandate to assess the situation of freedoms of peaceful assembly and association in the country. In this report, the Special Rapporteur commends Rwanda for its "progress in the areas of good governance, including rule of law and institution-building, and in ensuring stability and security." But he also notes that the country’s approach to achieving reconciliation is undermined by the limited space to dissenting voices. “Several interlocutors emphasized that Rwanda favors a political order based on so-called ‘consensus,’ ” Kiai told the Human Rights Council when he presented the report on June 10, 2014. “But this consensus is led by the ruling party and, as a result, discourages public criticism and dissent.” Maina Kiai’s report on the visit was publicly released in May 2014 and presented to the Human Rights Council during its 26th session in June... Continue reading →
United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai will visit Rwanda from 20 to 27 January 2014 to assess in depth to what extent the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are enjoyed in the country. Mr. Kiai’s visit will be the first information-gathering mission to Rwanda by an independent expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and promote the realization of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association worldwide. “The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are essential components of democracy, and States are called upon by the Council to respect and fully protect the rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely,” the independent expert said. “Government cooperation is absolutely essential to the effectiveness of my mandate and every other Human Rights Council’s mandate,” the Special Rapporteur noted. Mr. Kiai is scheduled to travel to Kigali and Huye. During his eight-day visit, he will meet with State officials, members of the judiciary and of Parliament, as well as representatives of the national human rights commission, the civil society, and the diplomatic community. The Special Rapporteur will share his preliminary findings and recommendations at a press conference on Monday 27 January from... Continue reading →
The inaugural issue of the Assembly and Association Briefing, the official newsletter of Maina Kiai, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. In this issue: • Call for input as Kiai readies report on groups most at risk • UN Special Rapporteur launches new website for mandate • Repressive amendments to NGO law defeated in Kenya • Kiai to visit Rwanda in Jan. 2014 • NGO Bill Threatens to Hinder Civil Society’s Work in South Sudan, UN Rights Experts Warn • Maina Kiai presents first report to UN General Assembly • Authorities in Cambodia ban all public gatherings after demonstrations swell • Kiai pens commentary for openGlobalRights • Plus, UNSR activities in brief For a link to the newsletter, click on the image at right or follow this... Continue reading →
Maina Kiai has accepted an invitation from the government of Rwanda to make an official visit in January 2014. The trip is schedule to take place from January 20-27. Kiai, who is the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, will spend approximately one week in the country evaluating the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The visit will include meetings with the government and other key stakeholders. “I thank the Rwandan government for inviting me to visit in my capacity as Special Rapporteur,” Kiai said. “Government cooperation is absolutely essential to the effectiveness of the mandate and every other Special Rapporteur mandate. I look forward to a fruitful visit.” The visit will be Kiai’s third as UN Special Rapporteur. He visited Georgia in 2012 and the United Kingdom in 2013. For more news on Kiai’s UN mandate, please our January 2014 edition of our periodic newsletter, the Assembly and Association... Continue reading →
