Details of Musalia Mudavadi’s Trip to Switzerland

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has arrived in Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC58). 

In a statement on Sunday, February 23, the Office of the Prime CS said Mudavadi, who landed in Switzerland on Sunday evening, will deliver Kenya’s national statement at the conference.

Additionally, Mudavadi is also expected to engage in high-level discussions covering topics such as climate change, conflict resolution, and migration.

"The session brings together global leaders, diplomats, and human rights advocates to deliberate on key human rights issues affecting the world today. Kenya remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding and promoting human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development, in line with international human rights principles.

"While in Geneva, H.E. Dr. Mudavadi will deliver Kenya’s national statement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights, peace, and security, and participate in high-level dialogues on pressing human rights issues, including climate change, conflict resolution, and migration," the statement read.

In addition to his address, Mudavadi will participate in bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic ties and advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives

"Engage in bilateral meetings with global counterparts to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic ties and advance the country’s foreign policy objectives. 

"Kenya remains a key player in regional and global human rights discussions and continues to contribute to solutions that promote justice, equality, and sustainable development," the statement added.

Mudavadi will hold talks with UN leaders, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, with their discussions focusing on strengthening the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and a proposal to establish a Multi-Country Office in Nairobi.

"The Prime Cabinet Secretary’s participation in HRC58 underscores Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations Human Rights Council's principles and its dedication to championing human rights both nationally and internationally," the statement further read.

UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year in Geneva, Switzerland. The main session takes place in March and lasts about four weeks. 

The second session is in June and lasts approximately three weeks, followed by the third session in September, which also lasts around three weeks.

In addition to these regular sessions, the Council can convene special sessions to address urgent human rights crises.

A special session can be called at the request of a Council member, provided that at least one-third of the 47 member states support the request.