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THE
VIOLENCE THAT FOLLOWED KENYA'S ELECTION HAS NOW CLAIMED 500 LIVES: 11/01/08
(MaximsNews Network)
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UNITED
NATIONS - / MaximsNews Network / - 11
January 2007 --
Following the rise of the
number of deaths due to post-election fighting to 500, the United Nations
Secretary General has called for Kenya's government to find a solution to the
crisis and end the violence.
“In
the face of the deeply troubling situation in Kenya, the Secretary-General calls
once again on the political leadership of Kenya to find – urgently – an
acceptable solution through dialogue so that the political crisis is resolved
and the country returns to its peaceful and democratic path,” Mr. Ban’s
spokesperson said in a statement.
In
addition to those killed, the UN estimates that more than 250,000 Kenyans have
been forced to flee their homes since violence erupted in the East African
nation following last month’s disputed national elections, “the conduct of
which prompted serious concerns on the part of national and international
observers.”
The
statement added that it is “worrisome” that much of the violence appears to
have been directed at specific communities. “The killings must stop, alleged
human rights violations should be investigated and those found responsible for
crimes should be held accountable for their actions.”
Mr. Ban
also expressed continued support for the various efforts being made by regional
and international actors to help the Kenyans arrive at a lasting solution. He
spoke yesterday to former UN chief Kofi Annan, who is head of a panel of eminent
Africans to mediate the crisis in Kenya, as announced by President John Kufuor
of Ghana.
Meanwhile,
UN agencies are continuing their humanitarian response, along with the Kenya Red
Cross Society, national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
and faith-based groups.
The UN
Population Fund (UNFPA) has expressed particular concern about the increase in
gender-based violence, especially sexual and physical assault, in the aftermath
of recent events.
“Rape
has been occurring and cases have increased following the post-election
violence,” UNFPA’s Florence Gachanja told reporters in Nairobi today, adding
that the Nairobi Women’s Hospital has reported 56 cases in the last 10 days
and cases are increasing every day.
In
addition, expectant women are giving birth in the camps set up for internally
displaced persons (IDPs). UNFPA has delivered post-rape, clean delivery and
midwifery kits and other materials to the Kenya Red Cross for re-distribution in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Nairobi Women’s Hospital and
other local organizations.
In the
Northern Rift Valley and Nairobi’s slums, which were both hit by the recent
post-election violence, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has delivered some
11,000 family relief kits – containing tarpaulins, blankets, cooking utensils,
jerry cans and soap – for some 55,000 IDPs. It has also sent six trucks loaded
with water and sanitation supplies and 1,500 HIV treatment units to the town of
Eldoret.
The
agency is also documenting the voices of children and youth affected by the
current crisis. “Allowing children to speak out will help them to come to
terms with what has happened to them and start the healing process,”
UNICEF’s Pamela Sittoni said.
“It
will also help adults, including parents, guardians and teachers, to understand
how the violence and displacement are affecting children, as they try to help
the children cope with the situation,” she added. UNICEF hopes to partner with
the Kenyan media to publish the children’s voices in their publications.
Labels: United
Nations, U.N.,
~~~~~
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