The visiting Dutch royals have scheduled a meeting with Kenyan youth to discuss Kenya's human rights situation, following numerous emails protesting their visit.
In January, when the Royal House of the Netherlands announced the trip, Kenyans wrote to the Dutch government urging its cancellation, citing a surge in human rights violations, including abductions and enforced disappearances.
However, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while confirming receipt of the emails, maintained that the visit would offer an opportunity to address "difficult topics." "The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices to be heard," said King Willem-Alexander in a joint communique on Tuesday, March 18, following a meeting with his host, President William Ruto. "I'm pleased that our countries' strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance and accountability," he added.
King Willem-Alexander: We are glad to have the opportunity to discuss the concerns that exists in human rights, good governance and accountability.
