Centre for Minority Rights Development

Centre for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE) was formed in 2001 to strengthen the capacity of minority and indigenous people in Kenya to effectively advocate for the promotion, protection and actualization of their economic, social, cultural and political rights. In the first decade of CEMIRIDE’s focus has been largely towards improving the socio-political aspects of target communities, especially constitutional recognition, where several milestones have been achieved, for example Article 56 Constitution of 2010. CEMIRIDE was also instrumental in designing and prosecuting the first indigenous peoples case at the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights which lead to decision 276/03 : Centre for Minority Rights Development (Kenya) and Minority Rights Group (on behalf of Endorois Welfare Council) / Kenya that recognised the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Kenya. Most recently, the African Court ruled in favour of the Ogiek peoples on their complaint on violations of their rights to life, property, natural resources, development, religion and culture by the Kenyan government under the African Charter, to which Kenya is a signatory. The case was originally lodged with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, but was referred to African Court. CEMIRIDE was among the first three original Complainants before the African Commission. While still keeping this focus, CEMIRIDE will now focus more on working closely with communities and partners to develop economic empowerment projects. Through economic empowerment initiatives, CEMIRIDE intends to support the impoverished communities to think beyond immediate daily survival and to exercise greater control over both their resources and life choices. It is anticipated that economic empowerment will strengthen participation of minorities and indigenous peoples in Kenya in decision-making which would then contribute to its mission which still is strengthening the capacity of minority and indigenous peoples in Kenya to secure their social, economic, cultural and political rights