Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern about allegations that members of the United Kingdom (UK) Army, posted to Kenya for training, raped hundreds of Kenyan women.  The allegations cover a period of more than 30 years.  

I understand that evidence has emerged indicating that in some cases UK Army officials were reportedly informed of the allegations in the aftermath of the attacks.  Nevertheless, no action appears to have been taken by the UK authorities with regard to any of the rape allegations, until the opening of a Royal Military Police criminal investigation in April 2003.

I urge you to establish without delay an independent and impartial commission of inquiry into the systemic failures of the UK Army, throughout many years, to investigate rape allegations received; to bring perpetrators to justice; to take effective measures to prevent such crimes; and to ensure redress and reparation for all those affected by such crimes. 

Nothing less than a commission of inquiry will ensure that – beyond the question of individual criminal responsibilities -- concerns that institutional acquiescence may have fostered the climate of impunity that may have contributed to the reiteration of the rapes over more than 30 years be allayed.

Yours sincerely,