The Endorois community clarifies priorities for land restitution and reparations, advancing implementation of the precedent-setting recommendations of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Kenya

In 2010, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights issued unprecedented recommendations on the Endorois case, including restitution of their ancestral land, compensation for all the loss suffered, and royalties for existing economic activities on their land (available here). This initiated another stage of mobilization by the Endorois Welfare Council (EWC), together with national and international organizations, for enforcement. Currently, the Endorois, the ACHPR, as well as national and international advocacy groups are trying to engage the government of Kenya in dialogue regarding the implementation of the decision. Given the national and international significance of the case, it is crucial that when such dialogue starts, the Endorois leaders and representatives are prepared to bring a strong proposal for reparations to the table.

Thus, building on earlier efforts and renewed momentum from an African Commission implementation hearing held with the Kenyan government in April 2013, the Endorois Welfare Council (EWC) partnered with Dejusticia and the ESCR-Net Adjudication Working Group, to  organize a one-and-a half-day workshop on reparations for violations of the rights of indigenous communities in Nakuru, Kenya, from July 23 to 24, 2013, with the active support of the Minority Rights Group (MRG), Norwegian Center for Human Rights and Ford Foundation.  During the workshop, multiple ESCR-Net members provided valuable input and facilitation, including MRG, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, CEMIRIDE, Hakijamii, and the Kenyan Land Alliance.