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{
    "id": 707500,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/707500/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 222,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Okoth",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12482,
        "legal_name": "Kenneth Odhiambo Okoth",
        "slug": "kenneth-odhiambo-okoth"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. In fact, part of me was going to consider requesting you to extend the debate until 1:30 p.m. to take care of the 36 minutes. However, that is in your discretion. First of all, I want to say a big thank you to Hon. Aghostinho Neto. As you mentioned, I also had a Bill on the same issue. We conferenced and engaged the Committees and resolved that we would collapse my Bill. I will, therefore, bring my amendments and suggestions from the Committee discussions during the Third Reading of the Bill. Hon. Aghostinho is, of course, the convener of the Human Rights Caucus. This is a Private Members’ Bill coming out of that caucus. So, I also wish to thank the Caucus because it took a lot of its time to engage with us on this Bill. This is an illustration of how important it is to have such caucuses inside and outside Parliament. We need more support to be given to such caucuses. We could even think of hiring clerical assistants to these caucuses, so that they can carry out good research work and propose Bills. The issue of refugees is complex and cross-sectoral. The nature of the Bill is so encompassing, progressive and it is a cutting edge. It touches on the issue of security and administration. It also touches on foreign affairs, justice and legal affairs. The Bill seeks to reach out to the various interests and topics covered by the Committees that engaged about it. This is something that could only come from a caucus that is dedicated. It is a caucus that comprised of brilliant legal minds, including my friend, Hon. Aghostinho. Indeed, that is a great thing. Refugees have rights under our Constitution. The rights of persons and all human beings who are resident in Kenya are important. We also have an international obligation, that is, the Convention on Refugees and its protocols. There is also the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. There are many things that cover the issue of refugees. I must say that I am proud to be a Member of the 11th Parliament. We have started seeing this increasing progressive thought about legislating from a human rights perspective and orientation. Recently, when we passed the Legal Aid Bill, which is now an Act of Parliament, we made sure that it contained provisions about refugees having access to legal aid in case they need it. As I look at the Bill, I am excited to note that the clauses about exclusion and cessation of refugee status are clear. People who are considered armed aggressors and are in conflict or are criminals would not be entitled to refugee status in Kenya. This is for the protection of our State. That is a good thing because we want to be a country that is an anchor for peace and stability. Kenya must not be used as a base by any refugees who participate in the destruction of neighbouring countries. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}