Hussein KhalidMuslims for Human Rights (MUHURI)

Mombasa, Kenya

1

Background of MUHURI

Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) is a Non Governmental

Organisation (NGO) based at the Coast of Kenya.

2

It began in 1997 to promote the

struggle for human rights amongst

grassroot communities.

Kenya and Drug Use

Drug use in Kenya, as is in most other countries in the world, is illegal and punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both.

In Mombasa and the Coastal region in general, drug abuse is the worst with children as young as nine years old hooked on drugs.

Majority of those who end up in conflict with the law are drug users who get caught up in the system.

70% of the total prison population are on drug related cases.

To many, drug use is viewed as a criminal issue and not a health condition.

3

MUHURI’s Access to Justice ProjectWorks in 17 different prisons all over the region.Provides legal assistance to prisoners on their cases

4

Conducts moot courts in prisons to build confidenceFollow ups and tracing of families and lawyersConnects prison community with the outside world

The Mombasa Legal Aid Clinic

In March 2012, MUHURI launched the Mombasa Legal Aid Clinic with the goal of serving the greater public to understand their legal rights.

5

The clinic utilizes paralegal officers and law students to provide pro bono legal aid

Why Legal Aid is Crucial in Dealing with HIV/AIDS Amongst Drug Users?

6

Legal Aid for Drug Users

Safeguards the rights of individuals to health care

Decongests Prisons (which is a major centre of

HIV/AIDS transmission)

Entry point to treatment including harm reduction

Key Steps in Legal Aid Provision Amongst Drug Users

7

Screening

Tracing

Introduction to treatment and legal assistance

Legal assistance and linking with key justice actors including probation and judiciary

Secure release and follow up to reduce recidivism

Key Challenges in Legal Aid Provision for Drug Users

1. Stigmatisation

8

Key Challenges Continued…2. Disabling Laws

9

Key Challenges Continued…3. Police

10

1. Judiciary

11

Key Successes

2. Prisons

12

Successes

3. Harm Reduction Works

13

Successes

14