Varsity to develop human rights education in partnership with OHCHR

Abstract

The University of Nairobi (UoN) in partnership with the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) has entered into discussions on the possibility of offering a common undergraduate course on Human Rights Education (HRE). This was revealed today, April 9th, 2014, when representatives from OHCR paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, UoN.The agreement will see UoN’s Centre for Human Rights and Peace (CHRP) and OHCR develop a curricular in human rights education with special focus on the establishment of the common undergraduate course in HRE. In addition, CHRP will integrate and sensitize all stakeholders in the University on HRE.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Uchenna Emelonye, Senior Human Rights Adviser, OHCHR, said that OHCHR is keen on seeing human rights shift from activism to governance. He noted that African nations do not see development and human rights on the same page. He said that it was high time that graduates engaged in development from a human rights perspective and that UoN needed to develop capacity for HRE in Kenya.

On his part, while representing the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro, said that it indeed the move was at an appropriate time. There is need for UoN to play a leading role in the provision of HRE in Kenya. Already through CHRP, UoN is offering a Masters of Arts degree programme in Human Rights.

Present during the meeting was Prof. Enos Njeru, Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Preston Chitere, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Peter Wasamba, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Stephen Akaranga, Chairman of Department, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Dr. J.B. Ndohvu, Programme Coordinator, CHRP and Prof. Jacob Midiwo, Director, Board of Common Undergraduate Courses.