Realising Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Kenya: A myth or reality? : A Report of the Public Inquiry into Violations of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Kenya

Chapter six is titled: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Sexual Minorities. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights in 2011 launched a public inquiry into violations of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Kenya. The Inquiry aimed to establish the extent and nature of violation of sexual and reproductive health rights and recommend appropriate redress measures. The Inquiry brought together stakeholders in the sexual and reproductive health rights subsector to discuss the various human rights violations with regards to sexual and reproductive health. These included members of the public who had experienced or witnessed violation of SRHRs, sexual reproductive health experts, government officials, representatives of civil society organisations working in the health sector, and health care providers. Information was collected using desk research, public hearings, and field interviews. The Inquiry was guided by principles espoused in the human rights based approach framework of UNFPA- creating an enabling policy framework, widening access to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, building awareness, and encouraging involvement. Sexual minorities (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex persons and sex workers) and marginalised and vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, people living with HIV and AIDS, Adolescents and youth, internally displaced persons and refugees) were particularly noted as most vulnerable to these violations.