Implement law to empower marginalised groups, State urged

Indigenous communities across the country have come together to deliberate on the challenges they are facing.

This, they say, will help them speak in one voice so as not be edged out in crucial decision-making forums.

Some of the issues affecting the marginalised groups include discrimination, poverty and unemployment and climate change.

The convention brought together at least 79 minority tribes drawn from across the country.

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Domiciled within the Office of the President, Department of Minority and Marginalised Communities was established to actualise Article 56 of the Constitution. 

For decades, the vulnerable communities argue, have had limited representation in high offices, thereby missing out on the decision making table.

In turn, this has deprived them of the opportunity to share the national cake. 

Among other social services, inaccessibility to healthcare, education for their children and land issues have always dominated conversations around the groups. 

The minority's national caucus chairperson Charles Nandain urged the government to fast-track the implementation of the constitution especially on issues that touch on the welfare of the minority. 

"Members feel that the government is not fast-tracking enough the constitution's vision on ensuring inclusivity is realised," Nandain said. 

Identification issue

The caucus also reviewed the controversies in the issuance of identification statuses to their members. 

"We are asking the government to implement fully the directive that abolishes vetting of our members to ensure we obtain ID cards at ease," Abas Kunyo, a member said.

"Political marginalisation is a big claw-back to the progress of the minorities," said a member of the special groups Abas Kunyo who decried "minimal government presence" that has fueled the effect of climate change among the communities. 

Speaking during the event, Department of Minority and Marginalised Communities Director, Josephat Lowoi, said it was high time such issues are addressed.

"The meeting was called by the communities caucus to deliberate and come up with a petition which they will present to the relevant government agency for implementation," he said. 

Lowoi pledged to coordinate with relevant government entities to ensure the plight of the communities is addressed. He said the department is working on a national policy to help implement affirmative action on minority communities.