Human Rights Activists have been sensitized on ecological justice to conserve the environment.
Human Rights Groups held a national Symposium themed the “Nexus Between Human Rights and Ecological Justice”.
The symposium was in commemoration of the 75th International Human Rights Day dated December 10, 2023 whose theme was 'the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948' .
The activists who were drawn from across the country representing different communities were called upon to protect water sources.
They explored the link between Ecological Justice and Human Rights that are part of the challenges in the country.
Speaking during the event, the Friends of Karura Forest CFA board member Professor Karanja Njoroge urged the activists to be at the forefront in championing ecological justice.
"Let us protect our water towers such as the Mau complex. We need to protect them because they provide us with water. The work being done by you is to heighten the awareness of everyone that every ecological zone, every small groove is worth protecting," he said.
He, however, said that the country's green spaces are being taken away and handed to other people.
He said the activists must challenge all those involved in taking away the little green spaces that are left.
"Believe it or not there are children in this city who grow up without seeing four trees together at once. They have little knowledge about what forests look like."
He urged them not to engage in activism alone but to involve other organisations to succeed.
The activists are guided by Chapter Five of the Kenya Constitution, 2010, which states that all individuals have a right to a clean and healthy environment.
They therefore, advocate for the protection of ecosystems, conservation of natural resources, and mitigation of environmental harm, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable communities.
The symposium was organised by the Chapter IV Institute, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Wangari Maathai Foundation, Amnesty International and the Defenders Coalition
Among leaders who were present included Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton, Founder and Executive Director, Friends of Lake Turkana Ikal Angelei, Champion, Maa Rights/Land Rights, Kenya and Tanzania Amos Taiko Lemaiyan among others.
