In a formal statement, Volker Türk urged the authorities in Kampala to completely revoke the recently enacted legislation, along with other discriminatory laws pushed through by a parliamentary majority.
Mr. Türk stated, “Close to 600 individuals have reportedly suffered human rights violations and mistreatment based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity since its implementation last May.”
He emphasized on Twitter, “Unless repealed entirely, unfortunately, this number will only increase.”
Türk called upon politicians to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
He highlighted the contradiction between Uganda’s international human rights obligations and the criminalization, including the imposition of the death penalty, for consensual same-sex relations.
Referring to constitutional rights, he noted that Uganda’s own constitution mandates equal treatment and non-discrimination.
“It is imperative,” he added, “for the authorities to also abolish Section 145 of the Penal Code Act, which penalizes consensual same-sex sexual relations, and to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Mr. Türk stressed the necessity of creating an environment conducive for all human rights defenders, including LGBTQ rights advocates, to conduct their legitimate activities openly and without discrimination. This entails enabling them to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
