In Kenya, a flawed presidential
election process has resulted in a humanitarian, political, and
economic crisis that threatens to become even worse unless both
parties work towards a just political agreement on the outcome of
the elections.
Take Action Now!
Call the White House at 202-456-1414 and ask to speak to the
president. Urge him to support the demands by civil-society
organizations in Kenya for an independent audit of the election
results. Also,
send an urgent e-mail message to
the president through our online
Legislative Action Center.
Message
Please use the power of your office to insist that all parties to
the political crisis take the necessary steps to reach a peaceful
settlement consistent with democratic processes.
Specifically, please express your strong support of the demands by
Kenyan civil-society organizations for an audit of the presidential
election vote to be conducted by an independent electoral oversight
body.
International mediation is critical to resolving the crisis, as is
an independent audit of the voting.
I also am concerned about the use of violence to legitimize the
curtailing of fundamental human rights – including the freedoms of
expression, assembly, and association.
Background
UUSC condemns the mounting violence precipitated by the electoral
crisis in Kenya and we are deeply concerned about the growing
humanitarian crisis that has affected many of Kenya's most
vulnerable people. We recognize the right of Kenyan citizens to free
and fair elections.
Violence triggered by the flawed election has resulted in the death
of 600 Kenyans and the displacement of over 255,000 people. Unrest
continues in various parts of the country. Many people are unable to
obtain food, shelter, and medical care; the United Nations estimates
that 400-500,000 Kenyans are in need of humanitarian assistance.
There are serious shortages of fuel, water, food, and other
commodities and humanitarian aid agencies have had difficulty
assessing the extent of the damage and the number of people affected
because of irregular transportation and insecurity.
Kenya also serves as the regional hub for humanitarian work. If the
situation persists, regional humanitarian work in Uganda, Southern
Sudan, and the Congo will be affected.
For more information about the Kenya crisis, please visit Kenya:
Fear overtaking hope.
Posted January 17, 2008
