The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has reported a 36.3% decline in the number of complaints filed by citizens, with cases dropping from over 900 in the 2022/2023 period to 573 in 2023/2024.
In a report presented to parliament on Tuesday, January 7, the NCHR outlined how the complaints were handled. Of the total complaints received in 2023/2024, 75.4% were resolved, 11.8% were referred to other relevant institutions, and 12.7% remain under investigation.
The NCHR, an independent body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, investigates alleged violations, gathers evidence, and provides access to sites where violations are reported.
The report revealed that the most common complaints during the 2023/2024 period were related to land property disputes, which accounted for 281 cases, followed by grievances concerning judicial processes, with 264 cases.
Providence Umurungi, Chairperson of the NCHR, attributed the decline in complaints to several factors, including initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts at the community level. “Many issues are now being addressed at the community level through inteko z’abaturage (citizen assemblies) and by involving various institutions in resolving cases,” she said.
Umurungi also pointed to the growing use of alternative methods, such as plea bargaining and the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, as significant contributors to the reduction in complaints.
While acknowledging progress, the commission stressed the need to focus on specific areas where challenges persist, particularly regarding the rights of people with disabilities, gender-based violence, and the difficulties faced by small and medium enterprises.