Actualité Posté le 15:36 24-06-2024, modifié le 15:36 24-06-2024 par Tournons La Page
From May 4 to 11, 2024, a delegation made up of Robert Simon (TLP-Europe member), Malango Maganga (TLP-Malawi coordinator), Gérard Halie (TLP-Europe member), Dea Drndarska, Delphine Rochet and Leyla Binici went to Kenya. In addition to the United Nations Conference on Civil Society held in Nairobi from May 9 to 10, 2024, this delegation took part in other activities that enabled their members to draw enormous lessons that will be used to develop projects and programs aimed at advancing democracy and human rights, particularly among marginalized populations.
PAWA254, the first stage of the visit
On May 5, 2024, the delegation visited PAWA254, a collaborative creative center located in Nairobi. PAWA254 stands out for its dynamic and intense use of the arts to address emerging issues in Kenya and strengthen the engagement of young people in positive development processes. With a vision of integrating arts and culture in the quest for social justice for all, PAWA254 works hand-in-hand with artists to raise profound socio-economic and political awareness. By empowering these artists to associate their art with the search for a better Kenya, PAWA254 plays a key role in promoting human rights and responsible governance. The organization works closely with like-minded community groups and civil society organizations (CSOs), working together to defend human rights and advocate responsible use of public resources. Malango Maganga, coordinator of the Tournons La Page Malawi (TLP-Malawi) coalition, expressed his admiration for the work carried out by PAWA254: "This experience proved crucial and instructive, as we appreciated how the arts can be used to promote democracy and human rights by involving young people."
A commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights
On May 6, the delegation took part in a working meeting bringing together LGBTQIA+ organizations from the Nairobi region. Topics discussed highlighted critical challenges such as the shrinking civic space for LGBTQIA+ communities in Kenya and the potential implications of a new legal framework that could further marginalize these communities. The delagation also explored the importance of media engagement on LGBTQIA+ issues, the integration of LGBTQIA+ rights into human rights training and advocacy programs, as well as reintegration plans for reunion survivors who have stayed in safe spaces.
Meeting with Victor Majanga and business dinner in West Ridge
Following this meeting, the delegation met Victor Majanga, International Secretary of the Global Green Movement. The meeting highlighted the importance of linking social and environmental policies, a central philosophy of the Global Green Movement. Victor Majanga expressed a keen interest in the creation of a Tournons La Page (TLP) coalition in Kenya. Such a partnership could strengthen local efforts in favor of democracy and human rights, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
"The delegation ended the day with a business dinner at the West Ridge Kitchen in Kiambu County, during which we spoke with Rebecca Shoot, Executive Director of Citizens for Global Solutions, and John Vlasto, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Federalist Movement. During the dinner, the delegation exchanged contacts with Rebecca, who expressed interest in a possible learning exchange between the young women targeted by our programs and the students at the university where she teaches in the United States", explained Malango Maganga.
A touching visit to the Mau Mau Memorial
Part of the delegation took part in an emotion-filled visit to the Mau Mau Memorial in Nairobi to pay tribute to those who fought for Kenya's independence. Although the monument cannot eliminate past violence, it represents an acknowledgement by the UK of the crimes it committed, including the torture of 10,000 members of the Mau Mau movement.
The visit served as a moment of deep reflection on the crucial role of monuments in collective memory, including a reflection on our own colonial monuments in Europe. Recognition of crimes by colonial powers is a key first step in building new relationships. So, this monument is not only a tribute to the victims, but also a call to rethink and reassess our historical heritage through the prism of justice and human dignity.
United Nations Civil Society Conference
Members of the delegation attended the United Nations Civil Society Conference held on May 9 and 10, 2024, in support of the Future Summit. "More than 2,000 participants of different nationalities gathered at the UnitedNations headquarters in Nairobi for two days of discussions, activities, dialogue and achievements", said the TLP-Malawi coordinator, before continuing: "In addition to the presence of numerous leaders and representatives of civil society from all over the world, from more than 1,400 organizations, the conference brought together dozens of ambassadors and diplomats from New York, Nairobi and various capitals, as well as senior officials from the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations and other parties involved. The closing session was attended by the President of Kenya, His Excellency William Ruto, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. In his closing address, Antonio Guterres emphasized that "civil society contributions are essential for effective, networked multilateralism, and must be considered central, not symbolic or incidental".
There was a strong presence of African civil society organizations (over 70% of participants) and young people (over 40% of participants were under 35). "There were 4 plenary and interactive sessions, 62 off-site and online events before and during the conference, 38 on-site workshops, 64 exhibitions and 20 ImPACT coalitions were formed", he added.
