Migrants who are already living in the UK are at risk of losing their rights as the Government vows to increase visa fees by at least 15 per cent to help pay for public sector pay increases, charities have warned.
Foreign NHS workers and academics will be among those hit by the new visa costs, which will see families charged thousands more per year to remain in the UK.
The pay award is set to cost the Government around £2bn, £1bn of which is to be raised by increasing the cost of visa applications.
Work visas and visit visas are to be increased by 15 per cent, while the cost of study visas, certificates of sponsorship, settlement, citizenship, wider entry clearance, leave to remain and priority visas will increase by at least 20 per cent.
The Government is also planning to increase the NHS surcharge charged to migrants in the UK from £624 to £1,035 per year. This cost is paid upfront when an individual applies for a visa and is in addition to any visa fees.
Visa costs vary depending on the type of visa a person is applying for, for example it costs £1,048 for a partner, parent or child to apply to join a family member in the UK, with this visa often having to be renewed every few years. By Story by Lucie Heath, Microsoft Start
The African Union has kicked off a series of activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa popularly known as Maputo Protocol. The activities are focused on reflections on the advancements of women rights on the continent in the last 20 years with focus on the achievements, existing and emerging challenges, and opportunities to accelerate the implementation of commitments to women and girls.
As of July 2023, forty-four (44) member states had ratified the Protocol. Eleven (11) states are yet to ratify, three years after the commitment to a universal ratification by 2020. These are Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Madagascar, Morocco, Niger, Somalia and Sudan.
Lead by the African Union Commission Directorate of Women, Gender and Youth, the commemorative activities kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya on the 10-11 July 2023 setting the momentum for the year-long activities that will provide a catalytic approach to ensure the rights of women across the continent are respected.
While recognizing the tremendous achievements by women's rights movements on the continent, H.E. Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission called on all the stakeholders to remain relentless in strengthening the gender equality. She noted, “Africa's future is heavily dependent on women's rights. The promotion of women's rights will help foster a successful Africa.
The African Union Commission remains committed to ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment. We also recognize members of civil society, who despite all odds, continue to remind us of our obligations to make the Maputo Protocol a living document for the women and girls of Africa.”
Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, observed that the 20th anniversary is yet another opportunity to amplify the voices of women, particularly those whose rights remain neglected in the gender rights process. “The laws and customs that promote patriarchy should also be looked at. This requires governments, traditional leaders, and Civil Society Organizations to come on board and ensure that the rights of women are not compromised. The issue of Female Genital Mutilation still exists and should be addressed. We should try to eliminate rules and processes that affect the rights of women. High rates of maternal
mortality, gender inequality, and digital violence are challenges faced by women. Women are also deprived in the digital world. The digital divide is an area of concern that needs to be addressed.”
H.E. Aisha Jumwa, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, equally observed that despite the positive efforts made, the persistent challenges, including female genital mutilation and violence against women, remain. She, however, noted that progress has been made in advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, I must commend Namibia, Rwanda, and South Africa for their significant progress in closing the gender gap, with over 70% achievement. I urge other Member States to take inspiration from these countries and follow suit in implementing measures to promote gender equality and women's rights. 80% of Member States, which represents 44 countries, have ratified the Protocol, I call upon the remaining countries to follow suit and ratify the Protocol.”
Awa Ndiaye Seck, UN Women Special Representative to the African Union and UNECA, noted that the ratification of the Maputo Protocol by the 44 Member States is a powerful demonstration of political will, a willingness to acknowledge that there are inequalities and that it is the responsibility of government to ensure that gender gaps as a result of inequality, are bridged. “We have witnessed the adoption of robust legal frameworks to prevent, protect and respond to violence against women as well as improved access to health services, including reproductive health and rights.
More girls and women have also enrolled in formal education institutions and have pursued innovation and technology as their career pathways. We commend the African Union for the exemplary leadership it set by prioritizing actions around maternal health, ending child marriage and female genital mutilation, addressing the impact of conflicts on women and girls, enhancing women’s role at the peace table.”
Eunice Ipingi, the President of the Pan African Women’s Organisation, while recognizing the struggle for gender equality over the years, emphasized the importance of transforming challenges into opportunities for innovative solutions to advance the advocacy of the rights of women. “The 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol serves as a significant occasion not only to reflect on past achievements but also as a call-to-action for all stakeholders to stand together and work towards achieving the aspirations for women on the continent.
We have made achievements made in entrepreneurship and politics across the continent, albeit with some challenges. We must also increase investments in education, healthcare, financial and economic inclusion for women and youth.”
Faiza Jama Mohamed, Africa Office Director, Equality Now, underscored the importance of acknowledging and uplifting African women, recognizing their contributions towards a more inclusive and equitable society. “We must continue to create opportunities and provide a supportive environment for women to thrive. This includes empowering women through access to education, economic resources, and equal participation in decision-making processes. It is important to identify the challenges that still exist and bring together all stakeholders to address them collectively.”
Kenya’s Senator Hon. Catherine Mumma underscored the role of legislators in ensuring the rights of women are protected and the need for collaboration to ensure
the laws relating to women empowerment are implemented and adhered to. “The Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa speaks to our language, it speaks to the content of Africa. This is a Convention that Member States should take seriously. Kenya has been the lead in implementation and has a good report to show on the progress made in the implementation of the Maputo Protocol. In the passage of the Kenyan Constitution, we domesticated the Maputo Protocol. Our article on non-discrimination clearly defines and sets out guidelines on women rights in Kenya.”
Chantal Kalumbu, from the Dynamique Nationale des Femmes Candidates (DYNAFEC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, representing the voice of the girls, observed that Africa with the youngest population in the world and with women comprising half of this population, Maputo Protocol promises to bridge the gaps on gender inequalities.
“I want to appreciate our founding mothers who ensured the realization of the Maputo Protocol, even for those who were not yet born. To maintain the momentum of the founding mothers, as the youth, we urge member states to revise specific articles of the Maputo Protocol to make it more inclusive and to promote the rights of young women and to provide progress reports on the implementation of the Maputo Protocol.”
Prudence Ngwenya, AU Commission Director of the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, says the year-long activities will focus on pushing for the implementation of the gender policies, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every African woman and girl benefit from all these efforts. “We are saying it’s the 3 Ps on raising the bar on policies, partnerships and people.”
At least 40 people hospitalised in Nyanza region with gun, arrow and stab wounds.[Standard]
Seven families are mourning their loved ones as medics fight to save the lives of more than 20 people injured in the Azimio protests.
From bullet wounds to injuries caused by stones and arrows, most of those admitted to hospital were in the right place at the wrong time.
Stephen Okinyi, a Form Three student, left their house in Suna West, Migori County, on Wednesday to watch protesters engage police in running battles. His family knew he would be back home in minutes.
The 19-year-old had just returned home from Rabuor Kogello Secondary School to collect school fees. The family allowed him to go and satisfy his curiosity as unrest rocked the town.
Little did they know that would be the last time they were seeing their kin alive. About 20 minutes later, he was fighting for his life after a bullet pierced through his thighs.
The student was among several victims of the protests called by Azimio. At least seven people dead in Nyanza region.
When the guns fell silent and normalcy resumed, several families were in pain as they struggled to come to terms with the pain that had been visited on them.
While some were mourning deceased relatives, others were nursing wounded relatives and waiting for the prospect of being slapped with monstrous hospital bills. Traders, on the other hand, were struggling to pick up the pieces of the financial loss the protests inflicted on them.
In the Nyanza region, seven people died due to the protests, with Kisumu and Kisii recording three deaths each. When we caught up with Okinyi’s brother, Barack Ochieng, he was yet to come to terms with the student’s death only moments after they had been together.
“He had returned home because of school fees. He had asked to go and see what was happening, and within 20 minutes, we received reports that he had been shot,” said an emotional Ochieng.
The student was first admitted to Oruba Nursing Home before being transferred to a private hospital in Migori town, where he is said to have succumbed to his injuries.
His body was later moved to Migori County Referral Hospital’s morgue. Migori County Referral Hospital medical superintendent Ian Omuom confirmed that the body of the boy was at the facility’s morgue.
But he was not alone. In Kisumu, the family of a pastor, who was also hit by a bullet, was also in pain as they struggled to come to terms with his demise.
Benard Ochieng, a 43-year-old preacher at Water of Life Church in Kisumu, succumbed to his injuries after police officers allegedly shot him in Kondele.
His brother, also a pastor, John Otana, described the loss as devastating.
In the region, at least 40 people were hospitalised in various hospitals and were nursing various wounds, including gunshot, stab and arrow wounds.
In Kisumu, some 15 people were admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Nine of the patients had gunshot wounds.
According to Dr George Rae, the hospital’s CEO, two patients had been operated on due to the nature of their injuries.
“We received 15 people with various injuries. Currently, we have seven of them still admitted with gunshot injuries,” said Rae.
Although the CEO denied that the facility did not receive any bodies, an attendant in the facility’s mortuary confirmed that they received two bodies brought by the police.
In Nyakach, more than 20 people are nursing injuries in various hospitals following the ongoing ethnic clashes between two communities living in Sondu town between Kisumu and Kericho County border.
The clashes erupted after protests began taking place in the region.
According to Daniel Orina, the Assistant County Commissioner for Upper Nyakach Division, the ethnic clashes which began yesterday during the anti-government demonstrations saw residents take on each other with arrows and pangas. One person succumbed to arrow wounds.
Six people were also nursing gunshot wounds at Nyabondo Mission Hospital and Sigowet Hospital in Kericho.
In Siaya, at least seven police officers were nursing wounds they sustained during protests in Bondo town.
According to the sub-county police commander Robert Apoki, the officers were attacked by armed protesters who are believed to have been ferried by area politicians.
The protesters engaged police in running battles for the better part of the day.
According to the police, all the teargas canisters were expended.
He said police teams drawn from Yala and Siaya police stations reinforced the Bondo team at around 5pm, but the violent protests continued past dusk.
Meanwhile, a group of ODM MPs have threatened to sue Interior CS Kithure over the deaths during the Azimio demonstrations.
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, and Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo have condemned the use of bullets on protesters.
Were warned that they would sue Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in the International Criminal Court (ICC) over police brutality meted out to Kenyans.
“They should be ready to answer charges in the ICC if you continue ordering police to kill innocent Kenyans,” Were said.
Dr Gogo said it is wrong to use bullets on Kenyans who are exercising their democratic right through demonstrations.
Protesters arraigned
Their concerns came even as protesters who were arrested were arraigned.
In Kisii, nine protesters were charged before Principal Magistrate Carolyn Ocharo. They were released on Sh3,000 cash bail each.
Busia also recorded the highest number of fatalities in western with three people feared dead by a rogue police officer based in Busia Town even as police records show one death.
The death came from an Occurrence Book report No. 09/13/7/2023 filed at 3.35am Thursday and booked by a quality assurance officer from Bulanda Nursing Home, Justus Obili.
The report at Busia Police Station attributed to the officer reads: “We received an unknown male African adult who sustained gunshot wounds on his thigh. He was bleeding excessively and later succumbed to injuries. He was transferred to Busia County Referral Hospital pending identification and postmortem.”
An Ipoa officer who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity said they were dealing with a case of “a rogue deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS)” over allegation of him shooting three people dead. ByClinton Ambujo, Anne Atieno, Isaiah Gwengi, Eric Abuga and James Omoro] The Standard
Njuguna Mwaura, an elderly man address journalists at Mutomo village in Gatundu South, Kiambu County. PHOTO/Mathew Ndung'u
Gatundu South residents have called out Trade, Industry and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over an alleged attack on former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the larger Kenyatta family
The CS is also reported to have warned the retired president against sabotaging President William Ruto’s government, asking the former Head of State to respect Ruto.
In his remarks, Kuria upheld that Uhuru must respect Ruto and accept that the latter fairly won elections saying he will continue to defend the current president’s administration as he used to defend Uhuru’s.
But his sentiments did not sit well with Gatundu South residents who have now told him off.
Retract comments
Led by a group of elderly men, women and the youth, the residents demanded that Kuria apologises to the Kenyattas for the unsavoury comments he made during the event.
They also asked Kuria to concentrate on working for Kenyans by using his powerful position to create jobs for the jobless, and support local investments to grow instead of sustained attacks on the former Head of State.
Monica Njeri, a resident, told journalists that despite the hate by Kuria, Uhuru Kenyatta remains adorable to them owing to his composure and the social-economic developments he initiated in the constituency when he was president.
Njeri told Kuria to concentrate on reviving the collapsing macadamia and avocado industries that most farmers in the country depend on for survival instead of misusing his energy on needless attacks of individuals.
“Kuria should concentrate on restoring sanity in the macadamia sector that is dying. He was not appointed to be abusing people, his job is to grow investments locally and help small businesses grow. Let him focus on delivering the promises Ruto made to Kenyans including creating jobs for the unemployed,” Njeri said.
Njuguna Mwaura, an elderly man from Ng’enda Ward insisted that Gatundu South men are ready to pay debts owed to Kuria by the Kenyattas, if there are any.
“Customarily, men fight each other because of two things; money and women. If the beef between Kuria and Uhuru is based on any of the two, we are ready to pay the ultimate price,” angry Mwaura said.
He regretted that the nonstop attacks against the former president have brought shame to the constituency and urged the CS to stop the attacks.
Karumbe Wa Mungai, another elderly man stated that as men, they will not sit any further and watch the attacks degenerate into an irreversible crisis and as such, Kuria should be tamed and told to focus on service delivery.
While terming Kuria’s sentiments as disturbing, Mungai rooted for respect, and sobriety among leaders for social-economic development of the country.
“We came here to warn Kuria against these attacks. Kenyatta is the founder of this nation and continuing to attack him and his family may bring you curses. You can insult Uhuru because he could be your age mate but hurling pointless attacks on his mother may attract curses. Please stop. Ruto should also tame this man,” Mungai said. By Matthew Ndungu, K24 Digital
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has congratulated Burundi and the Bahamas on their Independence days.
On these occasions, al-Sisi sent cables of congratulations to his Burundian counterpart, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and Governor General of the Bahamas Cornelius A. Smith.
Burundi Independence Day is an official holiday celebrated annually on 1 July, commemorating the country’s independence from Belgium in 1962. - Egypt Independent
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