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Overview of the Journeys for Justice Program:
Journeys for Justice are an innovative approach to bringing international attention to the critical issues RFK Human Rights Award Laureates champion to resolve. The program provides human rights supporters the unique opportunity to join high- profile delegations led by the Kennedy family. Delegation members meet with the Laureates and the beneficiaries of their efforts, and speak with people affected by gross human rights violations. Additionally, members meet with the leaders of the countries visited, prominent local and national governmental officials and other stakeholders.
Having acquired an intimate perspective on some of todayís most provocative social injustices, Delegation members utilize their experience to advocate on behalf of the Laureates. Members broaden American and international public's interest through press conferences, and assist in fundraising to initiate social change projects.
Past Journeys for Justice to Kenya:
October 2002
From October 26 to November 3, 2002, The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Journeys for Justice delegation to Kenya was led by Maxwell Kennedy, son of Robert and Ethel Kennedy. Per invitation by Dr. Gibson Kamau Kuria, the Robert F. Kennedy 1988 Human Rights Laureate, the delegation went to Kenya to speak on the legal and technical issues that play in redrawing boundary constituencies in order to insure the principle of one-person, one-vote is respected. In 2001, Dr. Kuria filed a law suit with the High Court of Kenya claiming that the constituency boundaries were unconstitutional. During the visit, the delegation met with key government officials, members of governmental commissions, leaders of civic and religious organizations, opposition leader, and ordinary citizens of Kenya. The 2002 Journey for Justice delegation detailed their findings in Unfair Before a Ballot is Cast: The Kenyan Parliamentary Elections of 27 Dec 02 a report that warns that structural problems within Kenya’s electoral system may have compromised the then upcoming elections.
Click here to view Unfair Before a Ballot is Cast: The Kenyan Parliamentary Elections of 27 Dec 02
Click here to view photos from the Journey
August 1993
In August 1993, then executive director of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights, Kerry Kennedy, traveled to Kenya with the CHR research team to asses the first year of multiparty government under President Daniel arap Moi. CHR reported their findings in Failing the Democratic Challenge(February 15, 1994). The delegation’s report reveals and criticizes the government of Kenya’s blatant repression of free expression during the first year of multi-party rule.
July 1991
During the dates July 10 to July 22, 1991 the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial delegation to Kenya studied the Kenyan judiciary system. The delegation’s report Justice Enjoined: The State of the Kenyan Judiciary (1992) analyzed the structure, functioning and manipulation of Kenya’s court system.
Currently the Center for Human Rights is not planning any future Journeys for Justice to Kenya but if you are interested in learning more about our projects with Archbishop Francis please contact Sushetha Gopallawa (202) 463-7575 x270, gopallawa@rfkmemorial.org
Click here to learn more about the Center for Human Rights' other Journeys for Justice
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