Civil society organisations in the  Coast celebrated the International Human Rights Day in Mombasa yesterday, and urged national and county governments to respect the right to service delivery and equal distribution of resources.

They, at the same time, raised concern over increased cases of human rights violations in the region.

The lobbies said access to basic services such as adequate security, healthcare, clean water and jobs remain a mirage to many Kenyans.

Mombasa has been a hot spot of insecurity orchestrated by juvenile criminal gangs, and residents say their right to security has been ignored by the government as they continue to bear the brunt of persistent attacks.

Yet to heal 

“The government is violating a lot of rights especially by failing to ensure security for the people, taking away the activities of the Mombasa port that created thousands of jobs to the youth. This is a violation of human rights,” said Salma Hemed (pictured), Haki Africa deputy director.

Speaking in Bangladesh, the activists said the region is yet to heal from extra-judicial killings and forced disappearance of people.

The groups, including Human Rights Agenda, Shinning Hopes For Community, Pwani Social Justice Centre and Pwani Youth Network, educated the public on the need to agitate for their rights.