IMLU Executive Director Wangechi Kahuria addressing the media. Photo/IMLU
By Newsflash Reporter
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure justice and protection for women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
This call to action comes in the wake of International Women’s Day celebrations held last Saturday, reinforcing IMLU’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and justice.
In a press statement released in Kisumu, the organization emphasized the need for urgent interventions to break down barriers that continue to hinder justice for women.
Aligning with this year’s Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” IMLU stressed that justice and accountability must not be delayed.
Read more: Pastoralists flee as drought and conflicts bite in Northern Kenya
“The fight for justice cannot wait,” the statement read.
“We are calling on duty bearers to take bold and urgent action to ensure that survivors of torture, SGBV, and extrajudicial killings receive justice. WHRDs must also be protected as they continue their vital advocacy work,” it added.
Key demands to authorities
IMLU outlined four critical demands for policymakers and law enforcement agencies:
- Transparent and thorough investigations to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.
- Enhanced protection for WHRDs and survivors, ensuring they can conduct their work without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
- Improved access to justice, medical care, and psychosocial support for survivors of violence.
- Legislative and policy reforms to safeguard the rights and dignity of all women and girls.
A call for urgency
Speaking at the event, IMLU’s Executive Director, Wangechi Kahuria, emphasized the urgent need for concrete action.
“Women human rights defenders are not just victims; they are leaders and agents of change. They fight for justice, protect vulnerable communities, and advocate for a better society. Yet, they continue to face intimidation, threats, and systemic obstacles that prevent them from fully exercising their rights,” Kahuria stated.
Also read: Women in politics
IMLU further condemned the widespread impunity surrounding cases of torture, SGBV, and extrajudicial killings, insisting that justice should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
“Now is the time for duty bearers to go beyond promises and take meaningful steps to deliver justice,” Kahuria added.
Survivors and activists demand action
Activists and survivors present at the event echoed IMLU’s demands, urging the government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize the protection of women’s rights.
IMLU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors, advocating for accountability, and working with stakeholders to end impunity
