Uganda: Briefing paper on the situation of human rights defenders
(Geneva) – The Nigerian Government must not use the 2016 elections as a subterfuge to obstruct freedom of expression, in particular of human rights defenders or journalists, says ISHR in a briefing paper published today.
The Republic of Uganda is scheduled to be reviewed at the 56th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 21 April – 7 May 2015.
(Geneva) – The Nigerian Government must not use the 2016 elections as a subterfuge to obstruct freedom of expression, in particular of human rights defenders or journalists, says ISHR in a briefing paper published today.
The Republic of Uganda is scheduled to be reviewed at the 56th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 21 April – 7 May 2015.
Following its review of Uganda’s 4th periodic report at the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Commission, the African Commission concluded that Uganda had failed to establish adequate legislation on freedom of expression. The African Commission recommended that Uganda repeal legislation criminalising defamation and take steps to domesticate the Maputo Protocol and the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention Against Torture; fight the prevalence of police brutality; and work closely with non-governmental organisations in the report writing process.
Especially vulnerable are human rights defenders working on LGBTI issues and corporate accountability issues.
Key recommendations that should be made to Uganda during its review include that the Government should refrain from criminalising the legitimate activities of human rights defenders and repeal all laws and policies which restrict their activities.
ISHR’s briefing paper on the situation of human rights defenders in Uganda is intended to highlight the situation for human rights defenders in the country since its last review by the African Commission; the steps taken by the Uganda to implement the African Commission’s past recommendations; and key recommendations for the African Commission to consider making to Uganda during its current review.
For further information about the briefing paper or for any assistance or advice in the formulation of recommendations, please contact ISHR’s Clement Voulé, on c.voule@ishr.ch.