Angola: Repeal legislation that endangers freedom of assembly and association

The statement delivered by Maria Lùcia Silveira acknowledged the acceptance of recommendations related to the rights of defenders and the protection of freedom of assembly and association by the government of Angola. However, it deplored that Angola only noted the recommendations calling on authorities not to adopt legislation that seeks to restrict freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Following the non-acceptance of those recommendations, the government of Angola recently approved the Presidential decree 214/24, which not only represents a threat to the work of human rights defenders but also violates constitutional and international human rights standards. The statement highlighted that the decree, in its articles 4, 13, 14, and 15, imposes generalised, disproportionate, and highly intrusive measures on all non-profit organisations, thereby reducing the effectiveness of their work.

For a realignment to international standards on the protection of the rights of defenders and the protection of freedom of assembly and association, ISHR recommended that Angola:

• immediately revoke the Presidential Decree 214/24, as it violates the United Nations declaration on human rights defenders, jeopardises freedom of association and impedes the work of human rights defenders; and
• refrain from adopting legislation that restricts the rights of defenders, such as the status of NGOs adopted in May 2023.

Following this review, the recommendations accepted by the Human Rights Council will serve as a basis to guide Angola in protecting the rights at risk, and most importantly, in complying with internationally recognised standards.

Watch the full statement below: