The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is currently addressing cases that challenge laws and directives in Kenya and Tanzania that are seen as violating the fundamental rights of citizens. In Kenya, Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi is contesting his disbarment from the Supreme Court, arguing that it infringes on his right to earn a living and fair administrative action. He is seeking damages of Ksh200 million ($1.55 million) for cases he had conducted before the Supreme Court.
In Tanzania, the case filed by Inclusive Development for Citizens and the Center for Strategic Litigation challenges a directive for compulsory pregnancy tests for schoolgirls every three months. The government denies implementing the directive, but lawyers argue that such laws contradict universal human rights standards. They argue that the policy on pregnancy testing and expulsion discriminates against girls and hinders their education and well-being. The NGOs are urging the court to compel the Tanzanian government to focus on public education and awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights instead of punitive measures against schoolgirls. Tanzania, however, defends its laws, stating that they aim to uphold discipline, ethics, and morals in schools in line with cultural norms and values.
Source link