The effects of public awareness campaigns on knowledge levels and attitude about human rights in Dandora- (Nairobi)

Abstract

The realization of a human rights state in Kenya has been a mirage because both state and nonstate actors have failed to acknowledge that sustainable development of the country must take account of the people's human rights. It is becoming clear that increasing numbers of Kenyans now know their human rights and where to seek help whenever such abuses occur. Women have been discriminated owing to sexism, for example, being disinherited of property because of their gender. The rights of children to education, health and self-fulfillment have remained un-actualised. This situation has been exacerbated by absent or inadequate legislative and policy measures and programmes to check or correct the resource and facility gaps, cultural inhibitions and other prejudices which are normative within these groups. The study examines the impact of communication on public awareness and understanding of human rights within Dandora area in the last three years. It, specifically looks at whether communication has had any impact on pertinent issues related to respect for human rights, general awareness within the community, utilization of both state and - non state institutions that offer human rights protection and promotion in the community like police stations, provincial administrators, civil society organizations, community based organizations, faith based organizations among others. The study established that there is strong link between communication and human rights and the public awareness campaigns carried out have positive results. There is increased awareness on human rights by members of the public as a result of the campaigns.