The International Legal Framework On Protection of Sexual Minority Rights in Kenya

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................... i

DEDICATION ...................................................................................................................................... ii

APPROVAL. ......................................................................................................................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................. iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................ v

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................... vi

ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction /Background ....................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem ......................................................................................................... 2

1.3 Purpose of the study .................................................................................................................. 5

1 .4 Research questions .................................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Hypothesis .................................................................................................................................... 6

1.6 Scope of the study ...................................................................................................................... 6

1. 7 Significance of the study .......................................................................................................... 7

1.8 Research methodology .............................................................................................................. 7

1.9 Synopsis of chapters .................................................................................................................. 7

1.10 Literature review ...................................................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................................ 12

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 12

2.2 Cultural relativism versus universalism ......................................................................... 13

2.3 International protection of sexual minorities ................................................................ 15

2.3.1 The UN Charter .............................................................................................................. 15

2.3.2 The international Bill of Rights .................................................................................. 16

2.3.3 Other treaties and General Comments or Recommendations ........................... 22

2.3.4 Resolutions and special mechanisms ...................................................................... 24

2.3.5 Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law

in Relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity .................................................. 26

2.4 Regional framework for protection of sexual minorities ............................................. 26

2.4.1 The European system .................................................................................................. 27

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2.4.2 The Inter-American system ........................................................................................ 28

2.4.3 African human rights system ..................................................................................... 29

2.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................................ 33

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 33

3.2 The role of the judiciary in protecting minorities ......................................................... 33

3.3 Judicial review: A few case studies ................................................................................... 35

3.4 Challenges to judicial enforcement of sexual minority rights ................................... 38

3.4.1 Cultural attitudes ......................................................................................................... 38

3.4.2 Religion ............................................................................................................................ 40

3.4.3 The counter-majoritarian dilemma ........................................................................... 42

3.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 46

CHAPTER FOUR .............................................................................................................................. 48

4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 48

4.2 The Kenyan criminal law provisions against same-sex conduct and their origins

················································································································································4.3 The framework for decriminalisation of same-sex conduct in Kenya ..................... 51

4.3.1 The Constitution ............................................................................................................ 51

4.3.2 International law ........................................................................................................... 54

4.3.3 Limitation of rights ....................................................................................................... 55

4.4 Other factors necessary for successful striking down of anti-homosexuality

legislation ....................................................................................................................................... 55

4.4.1 A reformed and independent judiciary .................................................................... 55

4.4.2 Judicial activism and purposive interpretation of the Constitution ................ 57

4.4.3 Participation of human rights organisations ......................................................... 59

4.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 60

5.1 Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 61

5.2 Conclusions .......................................................................................................................... 64

BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................ 66