HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNED ABOUTCONTINUED VIOLENCE FOLLOWING ELECTIONS IN KENYA

31 December 2007

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour, today expressed her deep concern about continued violence following election results in Kenya that has resulted in numerous reported fatalities, injuries and destruction of property.

Observers in the capital reported violence by protestors and incidents of excessive use of force by Kenyan security forces. "The Government must abide by its international human rights obligations in responding to demonstrations," said the High Commissioner. "This includes holding police accountable for their actions. While I recognize the challenges in maintaining order, security forces must employ force only in proportion to the actual threat faced."

The High Commissioner further stressed that it was essential for the organizers of the demonstrations and their followers to employ only peaceful means of protest.

The High Commissioner also strongly urged the Government of Kenya to ensure that journalists be permitted to freely carry out their work.