Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa Dennis had the honor of leading a workshop on mental health and data collection at Strathmore University. The event, held in collaboration with Strathmore University’s Dean, Eng. Dr. Julius Butine, brought together key stakeholders, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and academia, to deliberate on advancing the rights of persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
As a staunch advocate for human rights, Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa reaffirmed the commitment of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (@HakiKNCHR) to strengthening partnerships with OPDs and academia in championing the rights of persons with disabilities. The workshop underscored the importance of data in advocacy and litigation, emphasizing its role in shaping policies and legal reforms to ensure inclusivity and non-discrimination.
A key highlight of the discussion was the recent landmark ruling decriminalizing suicide, a decision that underscores the need for a rights-based approach to mental health. The workshop explored how data-driven advocacy can facilitate the implementation of such progressive legal reforms and support persons with psychosocial disabilities in accessing justice and services.
Eng. Dr. Julius Butine echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of academia in evidence-based policymaking. By fostering a synergy between research institutions and human rights organizations, the workshop laid a foundation for collaborative efforts to dismantle systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Commissioner Dr. Wamalwa Dennis expressed his gratitude to Strathmore University for hosting the session and to all participants for their invaluable contributions. Moving forward, KNCHR remains steadfast in its mission to leverage data as a powerful tool for advocacy, policy influence, and legal interventions that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, including those with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.
#UNCRPD #MentalHealthRights #DataForJustice #Inclusion