Human Rights department
The main aim of this department is to protect, defend and advocate for the human rights of people living in Kibera. It creates awareness among the people about human and legal rights and responsibilities by offering permanent forums where people can discuss their fundamental human rights. It promotes solidarity and look for a peaceful solution to their problems. The department provides free legal advice, conflict and alternative method of dispute resolutions.
It lobbies and advocates on behalf of Kibera residents in regard to land and ownership, housing, evictions, slums upgrading and other related issues. The targeted groups are parishioners of Christ the King Catholic Church - Kibera living in the five villages that make up the parish and when possible or appropriate the larger Kibera community.
The department owes respect for all parishioners regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, social or financial status. Their work is consistent and respectful of the catholic social teachings. It encourages and promotes volunteerism by the parishioners. Also recognizes the political rights and use of peaceful and non violent tactics. It provides free legal consultation from Tuesday to Friday and legal representation for deserving cases with first priority for women and children. Most of the cases handled are employment matters as Kibera is a low income working community and their rights are often violated. It undertakes also civic education in the community to enhance knowledge of and ability to advocate for their fundamental rights and create awareness on human and legal rights. It has played a key role following the government’s intention to evict inhabitants along the railway. We document human rights abuses and liaise with appropriate civil societies nationally and internationally. We endeavor to link the local administration with the community to get/chart the best way forward of ensuring peace in the community and maintaining the same by involving the community in all the processes. We highlighted the plight of the human rights violations meted on the Kibera community ranging from extra judicial killings, rape, eviction, looting, forced circumcisions, gunshots and machete wounds following the post election violence. We responded to the immediate needs of the community by providing and seeking aid for food and non food items and medical assistance for the affected families.