Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda violates human rights and endangers LGBT people - Pillay -- DisplayNews

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Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda violates human rights and endangers LGBT people - Pillay

GENEVA
(24 February 2014) - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi
Pillay on Monday denounced the anti-homosexuality law signed into force
in Uganda, which she said would institutionalise discrimination against
lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and could
encourage harassment and violence against them.


The law, which was signed into force today, criminalises and imposes
sentences of life imprisonment for homosexuality, same-sex marriage and
"aggravated homosexuality". It also provides for prison sentences of
five to seven years for the “promotion” of, “attempts to commit”,
“aiding and abetting” and “conspiracy to engage in” homosexuality.


“Disapproval of homosexuality by some can never justify violating the
fundamental human rights of others,” Pillay said. “This law will
institutionalise discrimination and is likely to encourage harassment
and violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual
orientation. It is formulated so broadly that it may lead to abuse of
power and accusations against anyone, not just LGBT people.”


Pillay stressed that Uganda is obliged, both by its own constitution
and by international law, to respect the rights of all individuals and
to protect them from discrimination and violence.


“This law violates a host of fundamental human rights, including the
right to freedom from discrimination, to privacy, freedom of
association, peaceful assembly, opinion and expression and equality
before the law – all of which are enshrined in Uganda’s own constitution
and in the international treaties it has ratified,” Pillay said.


Pillay expressed deep concern that the law could also threaten the
critically important work of human rights defenders in the country,
urging the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that they are
not prosecuted for their advocacy.


“With the HIV infection rate rising in Uganda, the law will have a
negative impact on efforts to prevent transmission and provide treatment
for people living with HIV, as well as undermine the Government’s
commitment to non-discriminatory access to healthcare,” the High
Commissioner said.


Police and judicial authorities must investigate any violence and
attacks against LGBT individuals and hold perpetrators to account,
Pillay said, stressing that States have a legal duty to protect all
individuals from human rights violations, regardless of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.


Media organisations should also refrain from fuelling hatred or attacks on the basis of sexual orientation, Pillay said.