Amnesty International Kenya has called on the government to put human rights discussions at the centre of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the Netherlands.
Kenya and Netherlands are set to deepen their bilateral relations during the upcoming state visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima from March 18 to 20, 2025.
Amnesty International Section director Irungu Houghton said the country should use the opportunity to address human rights violations.
“As Dutch authorities prepare for the official state visit to Kenya this week to intensify bilateral Dutch-Kenya relations, Amnesty International calls on both authorities to place human rights at the heart of the visit, address human rights violations and commit to accountability for all victims following the recent brutal crackdown on human rights,” Houghton said.
He said the Dutch state visit to Kenya is coming after violent attacks on peaceful demonstrations, with many protestors killed or injured.
“Over the past nine months, police officers have used excessive force against protesters, which has led to the deaths of over 60. Masked agents have abducted more than 80 activists, many of them Kenyan youth. Abductions and torture continue to happen with impunity,” he added.
Houghton said the three Dutch ministers and the Royal Couple must use this opportunity to place human rights at the centre of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the Netherlands.
Amnesty International urged both Kenyan and Dutch ministers to publicly outline during the visit how human rights in Kenya will improve.
Houghton added that economic, military and other interests must not be prioritised at the cost of human rights.
Dutch state visit follows an invitation by President William Ruto marking their first state visit to Kenya.
Their first state visit to Kenya reaffirms the good relations and solid cooperation between the two countries.
The Netherlands seeks to engage in new partnerships in various areas and to deepen the countries’ existing ties.
Kenya plays an increasingly influential role in the global arena. In addition, the Netherlands and Kenya maintain close economic relations, and both are major hubs and gateways to large regions.
Within the UN and other international organisations, the two countries work together actively towards goals relating to democracy, the rule of law, and independence of the judiciary.
