April 27, 2012
Amnesty International yesterday challenged slum dwellers to be aware of their human rights in order to fight aggressions meted on them including evictions.
Amnesty International campaign officer Naomi Barasa said lack of awareness by slum dwellers on their rights is greatly contributing to numerous violations. She added that if slum dwellers are aware of their rights, they will easily stop many forms of abuses.
She cited the evictions, which are mainly perpetrated by government organs or private developers. Barasa said so many people opt to engage in violence after being evicted, especially with police, thinking that is the appropriate way to deal with the issue. “We should be able to know that such cases can be handled through the court or holding a mass action on the grounds that it’s a peaceful since the constitutions also allows that,” Barasa said during a training workshop in Nairobi yesterday.
She said the training is meant to educate slum residents, who have often faced eviction for occupying governments land, on ways of handling the issue in a civilised manner. Residents from Mathare, Mukuru, Huruma, Kibera, Pumwani, Majengo and Kangemi attended the training.
Barasa said a lot of slum residents also face challenges but are often reluctant to reveal how they feel about events in their situation for fear of possible consequences like rejection, creating conflicts, attracting unnecessary attention to oneself or may be reflected badly on oneself. “Being silent especially when things are not well is not being strong for strength is the willingness to take to risks in a relationship, disclose oneself with the intention of building a better relationship,” Barasa said.
She urged the trainees to be open to other people in order to build good relationships. “Being open to another person means showing that you interested in how one feels about what you are saying and doing,” Barasa said.
Source: All Africa
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