Resolution on the Crisis in Kenya

 

WHEREAS,

Hundreds of people have been killed and injured, and thousands have been displaced by the current violence in Kenya generated by the controversy surrounding the December election results; and

WHEREAS,

The Kenyan government has recently curtailed freedom of the press and broadcasting and the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently; and

WHEREAS,

The American Library Association has endorsed Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (policy 58.4) which covers freedom of the press and freedom of expression – rights which the Kenyan government is now denying its citizens; and

WHEREAS,

The American Library Association opposes any governmental prerogatives that lead to the intimidation of individuals or groups and encourages resistance to such abuse of governmental power (Policy 58.4); and

WHEREAS,

The American Library Association recognizes the vital importance of free and open elections; and

WHEREAS,

The Association of Concerned Africa Scholars has issued a call for an end to (1) the widespread of violence by the principal Kenyan political actors, (2) restrictions of the right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully and non-violently, and (3) recently declared restrictions on press freedoms; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

That the American Library Association calls for an end to the violence in Kenya, a return to press and broadcasting freedom, and the right to peacefully assemble for the people of Kenya.

Adopted by the ALA Council
of the American Library Association
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
in Philadelphia, PA
Keith Michael Fiels
ALA Executive Director and ALA Council Secretary


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