ICJ To Host Jurists Conference on Technology, Development & Rule of Law

The Kenyan Section of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) will host the Annual Jurists Conference (AJC) in Kwale County from 21 to 23 November 2019.

The conference themed, “Technology, Development and the Rule of Law: Challenges, Options, and Emerging Opportunities,” will examine the future of rule of law in the context of technology and development.

It will evaluate threats and challenges, identify gaps in legislative and policy frameworks with an intention of contributing to the discourse on emerging development frontiers, and its impact on the rule of law, human rights, and justice trends in Africa.

The 2019 Annual Jurists Conference marks a significant milestone in the history of ICJ Kenya’s as the organization marks sixty years (60) of advancing human rights, justice, and the rule of law in Kenya and the region.

‘‘Marking 60 years since the establishment of the institution, the spirit and purposes of ICJ Kenya as a premier human rights organization has not changed. Our vision has been steadfast and remains a premier organization promoting a Just, Free and Equitable Society”, our mission “to promote human rights, justice, and democracy in Kenya and around Africa through the application of legal expertise and international best practices,” Said ICJ Kenya Chairman Kelvin Mogeni.

‘‘It is my hope that the conference will thoroughly interrogate not only the options and challenges of development on the rule of law but most importantly anticipate future trends and proposed opportunities to strengthen the rule of law in the continent.”

The ICJ conference will examine how development frontiers:  Governments and Development, Human Rights, Technology and new media and Civic space have interacted with the rule of law and rethink the emerging global, regional, and national trends for each frontier.

‘‘As ICJ Kenya, we strongly believe that protection of human rights in the digital era is key. We are all aware of the benefits that humanity derives from digital technology. Through technology, our work as human rights defenders is made easy. It is now easier to connect, empower, inform and even investigate human rights violations through technology,” said ICJ Kenya Executive Director Abdulkadir Noormohamed.

Key speakers at the conference will include Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Judge Ann Claire Williams, Christopher Akiwumi, Director for Government and Regulatory Affairs for Microsoft Middle East and Africa; Hon. Michael Onyango, Distributed Ledgers and Artificial Intelligence Taskforce at Ministry of ICT, Kenya; Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals since 29 February 2016; Emilia Siwingwa, Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania among others.

It is expected that legislative and policy proposals discussed at the conference will be shared with policymakers with a view of contributing to the discourse on how technology intersects with development and human rights in Africa. The conference envisions a strengthened engagement among different stakeholders on promoting rule of law and the respect of human rights.

READ ALSO: Top Corrupt Ministries and Institutions in the Kenyan Government 2019