According to a United Nations panel, numerous reports and issues of human right violations in Uganda, not to mention, the unlawful killings, has caught the attention of their team.
The UN panel referenced reports of unjust imprisonments and the detention of political opponents, media personnel, lawyers, human right advocates, sex workers, LGBTQ+ individuals, by police and other security forces.
In a study conducted by the panel, it entreated other Eastern African leaders to do away with any legislation that calls for the execution of those who are caught in homosexual acts.
However, a US informant has made series of allegations of brutalities against the Ugandan security forces regarding their interactions with a perceived rival of President Yoweri Museveni.
The UN panel further stated that, cases of unlawful exterminations “should be looked upon and perpetrators punished.” It also urged the Ugandan security forces to “stick strictly to the principles of necessity and proportionality.”
On the other hand, the opposition National Unity Platform Party has been campaigning for the prosecution of President Museveni and some security officers by the International Criminal Court.
Critics continued to say that, Yoweri Museveni must be held accountable for various human right violations that have occurred in his tenure. Museveni however, has criticized the actions of some his security forces for using enormous force while confronting civilians.
In recent months, Uganda has been at the fulcrum of worldwide attention, due to the passing of a new legislation, that is said to have made LGBTQ+ individuals its target.
The bill however gained an enormous support from the Ugandan populace, but faced challenges from international right groups and economic backers like the World Bank.
In 2004, the UN panel reported its maiden assessment of human right issues in Uganda. The Ugandan government is yet to make any response with regards to the panel’s report.
The U.S. issued threats of economic sanctions due to the law, and urged the government to reconsider the bill. Amnesty International also termed the law as “draconian and overly broad.”
Moreover, a member of the UN panel, Jose Manuel expressed his disgust toward the law. “We don’t understand this law.” Manuel further added that, the law has “appalled” his committee.
In more than 30 of Africa’s 54 nations, homosexuality is illegal. Some Africans even regard it as a foreign-imported behavior, rather than a sexual orientation.
UN Right Chief Condemns Cambodia Opposition Harassment
The draconian electoral crackdown carried out by the Cambodian government in the last election, including limitations on opposition parties, NGOs, and media, have caught the attention of the UN human rights chief.
According to the UN Human Right Commissioner, the fundamental basic rights of Cambodians and the freedom to engage in public life, have been undermined, due to the deteriorating nature of the Cambodian democratic framework.
In the run-up to the general elections, the National Election Committee of Cambodia ruled out two opposition political parties from contesting the elections.
According to OHCHR, the government further instructed internet service providers to lock the social media accounts of three groups, that are known to be critical on the government.
“Opposition political parties, activists, members of the media and others have faced numerous restrictions and reprisals that appear intended to curb political campaigning and to hinder the exercise of fundamental freedoms essential for free and fully participatory elections.”
Volker Turk, UN’s Chief for Human Right.
Mr. Türk urged the authorities to fix the problems and engage in communication with all political parties and civil society players in order to build a civic environment that is enabling and inclusive for all Cambodians.
“A vibrant strong and inclusive democracy that nurtures and respects a plurality of voices and opinions is fundamental to ensuring the respect and protection of human rights and is key to peaceful social and economic development.”
Volker Turk, UN’s Chief for Human Right.
READ ALSO:Tehran Answers UN Inspectors Over Found Manmade Uranium Residues
