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Joint statement on human rights violations in Burundi
UN Human Rights Council: 36th Session
Oral Intervention at Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on BurundiThank you, Mr. President. CIVICUS and DefendDefenders on behalf of 30 African organisations would like to thank the CoI for their report and reiterate their concerns that there are reasons to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed with impunity by state perpetrators including the National Intelligence Service, National Police, the Burundian Amy and the Imbonerakure in Burundi since the outset of the crisis in April 2015.
The killings, abductions, mass disappearances, torture and detentions of citizens have created a climate of fear and intimidation firmly entrenched in all sectors of Burundian society. A civil society law passed in January 2017 gives the authorities broad powers to control the activities and resources of civil society organisations. Almost all human rights defenders and journalists are in exile and still live in fear. The government has issued international warrants against some of them.
Most of the private radio stations remain closed, and while most journalists and HRDs are in exile, some of those who remained, such as Jean Bigirimana and Germain Rukuki, are still missing or detained.
Mr. President in a context like Burundi’s where the judiciary is not independent and all voices critical of the government are brutally attacked, there are no avenues present to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable.
Mr. President, we call on the Council to:
- Renew the mandate of the COI
- Urge the International Criminal Court to open an official investigation into human rights violations in Burundi
- Initiate action for Burundi’s suspension from the UN HRC
Thank you Mr. President
Sincerely,
- Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture - Burundi (ACAT-Burundi)
- African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), The Gambia
- Association pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues (APRODH), Burundi
- Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), Ethiopia
- CIVICUS
- Coalition Burundaise pour la Cour Pénale Internationale (CB-CPI)
- Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, South Sudan (CEPO)
- DefendDefenders (the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
- Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea, Eritrea
- ONG Ezaka ho Fampandrosoana any Ambanivohitra (ONG EFA), Madagascar
- Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR), Eritrea
- Forum pour la Conscience et le Développement (FOCODE), Burundi
- Forum pour le Renforcement de la Société Civile au Burundi (FORSC), Burundi
- Human Rights Concern - Eritrea (HRCE)
- Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA), South Africa
- International Youth For Africa, South Sudan
- La Nouvelle Société Civile Congolaise, DRC
- Ligue Iteka, Burundi
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Uganda
- Réseau des Citoyens Probes, Burundi
- Réseau des Droits de l’Homme d’Afrique Centrale (REDHAC)
- SOS-Torture, Burundi
- South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, South Sudan
- Union Burundaise des Journalistes, Burundi
- Zambia Council for Social Development, Zambia
- Mauritius Council of Social Services, Mauritius
- Pan Africa Human Rights Defenders Network
- Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Kenya
- Mouvement des Femmes et des Filles pour la Paix et la Sécurité
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Joint Statement on human rights violations in Burundi
UN Human Rights Council: 36th Session
Oral Intervention at Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Thank you, Mr. President. CIVICUS and DefendDefenders on behalf of 30 African organisations would like to thank the CoI for their report and reiterate their concerns that there are reasons to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed with impunity by state perpetrators including the National Intelligence Service, National Police, the Burundian Amy and the Imbonerakure in Burundi since the outset of the crisis in April 2015.
The killings, abductions, mass disappearances, torture and detentions of citizens have created a climate of fear and intimidation firmly entrenched in all sectors of Burundian society. A civil society law passed in January 2017 gives the authorities broad powers to control the activities and resources of civil society organisations. Almost all human rights defenders and journalists are in exile and still live in fear. The government has issued international warrants against some of them.
Most of the private radio stations remain closed, and while most journalists and HRDs are in exile, some of those who remained, such as Jean Bigirimana and Germain Rukuki, are still missing or detained.
Mr. President in a context like Burundi’s where the judiciary is not independent and all voices critical of the government are brutally attacked, there are no avenues present to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity accountable.
Mr. President, we call on the Council to:
- Renew the mandate of the COI
- Urge the International Criminal Court to open an official investigation into human rights violations in Burundi
- Initiate action for Burundi’s suspension from the UN HRC
Thank you Mr. President
Sincerely,
- Action des Chrétiens pour l’Abolition de la Torture - Burundi (ACAT-Burundi)
- African Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), The Gambia
- Association pour la Protection des Droits Humains et des Personnes Détenues (APRODH), Burundi
- Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), Ethiopia
- CIVICUS
- Coalition Burundaise pour la Cour Pénale Internationale (CB-CPI)
- Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation, South Sudan (CEPO)
- DefendDefenders (the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
- Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea, Eritrea
- ONG Ezaka ho Fampandrosoana any Ambanivohitra (ONG EFA), Madagascar
- Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR), Eritrea
- Forum pour la Conscience et le Développement (FOCODE), Burundi
- Forum pour le Renforcement de la Société Civile au Burundi (FORSC), Burundi
- Human Rights Concern - Eritrea (HRCE)
- Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA), South Africa
- International Youth For Africa, South Sudan
- La Nouvelle Société Civile Congolaise, DRC
- Ligue Iteka, Burundi
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Uganda
- Réseau des Citoyens Probes, Burundi
- Réseau des Droits de l’Homme d’Afrique Centrale (REDHAC)
- SOS-Torture, Burundi
- South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network, South Sudan
- Union Burundaise des Journalistes, Burundi
- Zambia Council for Social Development, Zambia
- Mauritius Council of Social Services, Mauritius
- Pan Africa Human Rights Defenders Network
- Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Kenya
- Mouvement des Femmes et des Filles pour la Paix et la Sécurité
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Outcomes & Reflections from 39th Session of UN Human Rights Council
This session, the Council adopted landmark resolutions on several country situations, further enhancing its contribution to the protection of human rights.
On Myanmar, we welcome the creation of the independent investigative mechanism, which is an important step towards accountability for the horrific crimes committed in Myanmar, as elaborated in the Fact Finding Mission’s report to this session. The overwhelming support for the resolution, notwithstanding China’s shameful blocking of consensus, was a clear message to victims and survivors that the international community stands with them in their fight for justice.
On Yemen, the Council demonstrated that principled action is possible, and has sent a strong message to victims of human rights violations in Yemen that accountability is a priority for the international community, by voting in favor of renewing the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts to continue international investigations into violations committed by all parties to the conflict.
Furthermore, we welcome the leadership by a group of States on the landmark resolution on Venezuela, and consider it as an important step for the Council applying objective criteria to address country situations that warrant its attention. The resolution, adopted with support from all regions, sends a strong message of support to the Venezuelan people. By opening up a space for dialogue at the Council, the resolution brings scrutiny to the tragic human rights and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country.
While we welcome the renewal of the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi, to continue its critical investigation and work towards accountability, we regret, however, that the Council failed to respond more strongly to Burundi's record of non-cooperation and attacks against the UN human rights system.
We also welcome the Council’s adoption of the resolution on Syria, which among other things condemns all violations and abuses of international human rights law and all violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict.
However, on other country situations including China, Sudan, Cambodia and the Philippines, the Council failed to take appropriate action.
On Sudan, we are deeply concerned about the weak resolution that envisions an end to the Independent Expert’s mandate once an OHCHR office is set up; a "deal" Sudan has already indicated it does not feel bound by, and which is an abdication of the Council’s responsibility to human rights victims in Sudan while grave violations are ongoing. At a minimum, States should ensure the planned country office monitors and publicly reports on the human rights situation across Sudan, and that the High Commissioner is mandated to report to the Council on the Office’s findings.
We also regret the lack of concerted Council action on the Philippines, in spite of the need to establish independent international and national investigations into extrajudicial killings in the government's 'war on drugs', and to monitor and respond to the government's moves toward authoritarianism.
In addition, we regret the Council’s weak response to the deepening human rights and the rule of law crisis in Cambodia, failing to change its approach even when faced with clear findings by the Special Rapporteur demonstrating that the exclusive focus on technical assistance and capacity building in the country, is failing.
We share the concerns that many raised during the session, including the High Commissioner, about China’s human rights record, specifically noting serious violations of the rights of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang province. It is regrettable that States did not make a concrete and collective call for action by China to cease the internment of estimates ranging up to 1 million individuals from these communities.
On thematic resolutions, we welcome the adoption of the resolution on equal participation in political and public affairs but would have preferred a stronger endorsement and implementation of the guidelines.
The resolution on safety of journalists, adopted by consensus, sets out a clear roadmap of practical actions to end impunity for attacks. Journalism is not a crime - yet too many States in this room simply imprison those that criticize them. This must end, starting with the implementation of this resolution.
We welcome the adoption by consensus of the resolution on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human rights in humanitarian settings. Women and girls affected by conflict have been denied accountability for too long. The implementation of this resolution will ensure that their rights, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights, are respected, protected and fulfilled.
Finally, the Council’s first interactive dialogue on acts of reprisals and intimidation was an important step to ensure accountability for this shameful practice, and we urge more States to have the courage and conviction to stand up for human rights defenders and call out countries that attack and intimidate them.
Signatories:
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)
Amnesty International
Article 19
Center for Reproductive Rights
CIVICUS
DefendDefenders
FIDH
Forum Asia
Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF)
Human Rights Watch
International Commission of Jurists
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) -
Réaction à la résolution sur les droits humains au Burundi
42ème Session du Conseil de droits de l'homme des Nations Unies
Réponse à la résolution sur le BurundiCIVICUS et ses membres se félicitent du renouvellement de la Commission d'enquête sur le Burundi. C'est un moment crucial pour le pays à l'approche des élections de l'année prochaine, et nous nous félicitons particulièrement de l'attention accrue accordée aux violations des droits dans le contexte des élections.
Cela permettra au pays de rester sous surveillance internationale pendant la période électorale et contribuera à garantir la responsabilité et la justice pour les violations des droits de l'homme. Le gouvernement burundais n'a toujours pas accordé l'accès à la Commission d'enquête, mais le renouvellement du mandat a montré que l'obstructionnisme, l'indifférence et les menaces faites par le gouvernement burundais contre l'ONU ne seront pas récompensés.
C'est une période critique pour le Burundi alors que la situation des droits de l'homme ne cesse de se détériorer. Le travail de la Commission d'enquête est plus nécessaire que jamais et nous nous félicitons de son travail en cours ", a déclaré Cyriaque Nibitegeka, avocat et défenseur des droits humains.
Nous applaudissons les xx États qui ont voté en faveur de la résolution pour leur soutien aux défenseurs des droits humains et à la société civile au Burundi.
Nous réitérons notre appel au gouvernement burundais pour qu'il coopère pleinement avec les mécanismes du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies, y compris la Commission d'enquête, qu'il permette l'accès à ces mécanismes, et qu'il libère sans plus tarder les défenseurs des droits humains détenus. Lisez notre déclaration au Conseil des droits de l'homme ici.
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Reaction to human rights resolution on Burundi
42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Response to resolution on BurundiCIVICUS and members welcome the renewal of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi. It is a crucial time for the country with elections coming up next year, and we particularly welcome the enhanced focus on rights violations in the context of the elections.
This will ensure that the country remains under international scrutiny over the election period, and will help ensure accountability and justice for human rights violations. The Burundi government has still not granted access to the Commission of Inquiry, but the renewal of the mandate has shown that obstructionism, indifference, and threats made by the Burundi government against the UN will not go rewarded.
‘This is a critical time for Burundi as the human rights situation continues to worsen. The work of the Commission of Inquiry is needed now more than ever and we welcome its ongoing work,’ said Cyriaque Nibitegeka, lawyer and human rights defender.
We applaud the 23 states that voted for the resolution for their support to human rights defenders and wider civil society in Burundi.
We reiterate calls to the Burundian government to to fully cooperate and allow access to UN Human Rights Council mechanisms, including the Commission of Inquiry, and to release detained human rights defenders as a matter of urgency. Read our statement to the Human Rights Council here.
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Reaction to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights update
Statement at the 45th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Thank you, High Commissioner for your update, which takes place in a difficult and unprecedented context.
We agree with your assessment that human rights violations result primarily from processes that exclude people's voices, and gaps in protection measures. These are issues which the Council is well-placed to address.
To this end, we hope that the Council will this session continue to address the situation in the Philippines with a strong resolution which reflects the dire human rights situation in the country and pursues accountability. Given that the situation in Burundi continues to be characterised by violations and impunity we urge the Council to renew the vital mandate of the Commission of Inquiry. We further call on the Council to heed calls from civil society and its own Special Procedures to address the escalating violations in China – in Hong Kong, Tibet and in Xinjiang – as well as to address attacks on rights defenders, journalists, and government critics across the country.
High Commissioner, restrictions to civic space are often precursors to a worsening human rights situation. When the Council fails to address these, it misses the opportunity to work constructively to prevent further human rights violations and fails those who will be affected. A resolution on the Council’s prevention mandate should address this gap. Echoing your call, we call for immediate and sustained preventive action on Tanzania before the situation deteriorates further.
Finally, High Commissioner, we welcome efforts to ensure civil society participation despite COVID-19 restrictions. Being able to meet with and hear directly from human rights defenders in the room, and in-person, has long been a strength of this Council. We call on the members and observers of the Council to strengthen collaboration with partners from civil society to further our mutual goals of protecting human rights.
Current council members:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Eritrea, Fiji, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Libya, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Slovakia, Somalia, Sudan, Spain, Togo, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela
Civic space ratings from the CIVICUS Monitor
OPEN NARROWED OBSTRUCTED REPRESSED CLOSED -
Statement at the UN Human Rights Council: Attacks on civic space in Burundi
Interactive Dialogue with the UN Commission of Inquiry on on Burundi
Oral StatementWe remain extremely concerned by the grave human rights violations taking place in Burundi, which show no sign of abating.
In January, at least 60 people were arrested after publicly advocating that citizens reject the proposed constitutional amendment, which would extend President Pierre Nkurunziza’s term in office beyond 2020, when his current term will end. A May 2018 referendum will determine whether the amendment - which would allow Nkurunziza to serve another two seven-year terms after 2020 - will be adopted.
Last week on 9 March 2018, three human rights defenders from Parole et actions pour le réveil des consciences et de l'évolution des mentalités (PARCEM), one of the few remaining civil society organisations operating in Burundi, were sentenced to 10 years in prison. Judges at the court reportedly announced the verdict without representation from the defendants' lawyers.
On 13 February 2018, human rights defender Germain Rukuki, who has been detained since 13 July 2017, appeared before court. Three new charges of “assassination", "destruction of public and private buildings", and "participation in an insurrectionist movement" were added to his two initial charges of “breaching the internal security of the State” and “rebellion”. Another human rights defender Netsor Nibitanga is still being held by the National Intelligence Sercives and his whereabouts remain unknow.
In February alone exiled human rights organisation, Ligue Iteka, recorded 22 killings, 1 disappearance, 15 cases of torture and 145 arbitrary arrests. The rise in arrests and crackdown are believed to be related to the referendum. These reports corroborate UN envoy Michel Kafando’s recent conclusion that the political situation in Burundi remains deeply tenuous and that conditions are unfit for elections.
CIVICUS calls on the government of Burundi to immediately cease its attacks on human rights defenders and as a Member State of the Human Rights Council, to fully cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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Statement on Burundi at the UN Human Rights Council
35th session UN Human Rights Council
Oral Statement – Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
15 June 2017CIVICUS remains deeply concerned by the gross human rights violations committed with impunity by the government since the Commission’s previous Council briefing on 13 March 2017.
The systematic oppression of Burundian’s fundamental rights persists throughout the country, characterised by arbitrary arrests, abductions, detentions and extra-judicial killings. The government continues to targets members of the political opposition, representatives of civil society and other individuals on specious grounds of supporting those who organised a failed coup in May 2015 and of association with armed groups.
Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, including human rights activist Marie Claudette Kwizera who disappeared on 10 December 2015. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Mr. President, these atrocities are carried out in an environment where freedom of expression, association and assembly are gravely stifled.
The country’s main human rights organisations have been suspended for an extended period of time and four prominent human rights lawyers have been disbarred. Independent media outlets remain closed, while most journalists are in exile and only public assemblies organised by supporters of the ruling party are allowed.
The vast majority of these atrocities are committed by the security forces, the intelligence service and the armed wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, who receive paramilitary training and target citizens with hate speech and threats.
To prevent the monitoring and documentation of human rights violations and encourage impunity by the perpetrators of human rights violations, Burundi has ceased cooperating with OHCHR, withdrew from the International Criminal Court and refused to collaborate with Commission of Inquiry.
Efforts to find lasting peace through the inter-Burundi dialogue are hampered by the absence of some of the main opposition parties and exclusion of civil society voices by the government.
We call on the government of Burundi to support the work of the Commission of Inquiry and take the necessary steps end violence and human rights violations in the country.
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Statement: Countless cases of arbitrary arrests in Burundi
41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on BurundiCIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations thank the UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi for its update and ongoing work on highlighting human rights abuses. However, we are seriously concerned that the grave subversion of human rights outlined in its 2018 report have continued and that the government of Burundi continues to refuse to allow the Commission’s staff to conduct their work.
Many civil society activists and independent journalists remain in exile, while those in Burundi continue to face intimidation, detention, or trials on trumped up charges. Human rights defender Germain Rukuki is serving a 32-year jail sentence on spurious charges of “participating in an insurrectionist movement and breaching state security”. Human rights defender Germain Rukuki is serving a 32-year jail sentence on spurious charges of “participating in an insurrectionist movement and breaching state security”. Human rights defender Nestor Nibitanga is also in detention in an unrelated case. Ahead of the general election next year, early warning signs of a worsening situation have already emerged, notably the persecution of all dissident voices and further restrictions on independent media, including reports that the government has already banned international media from covering the next year's elections. This is a worrying precursor of further human rights violations to come.
In the past six months, there have been countless cases of arbitrary arrest and detention. Freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly are routinely curtailed. As the Commission’s previous report observed, the perpetrators of these human rights violations continue to operate in “a climate of impunity perpetuated by the lack of an independent judiciary.” These issues are significantly under reported and deliberately ignored by the government of Burundi, and by shining a light on their occurrence the Commission plays a vital role in addressing the human rights situation in Burundi.
We call on the government of Burundi to cooperate fully with the mandate including granting full access to the country, to re-open the OHCHR office, and to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms including by releasing all detained human rights defenders, and we ask the Commission of Inquiry is there are any indications that these welcome steps may take place ahead of the elections next year.
1. Action des chrétiens pour l’abolition de la torture (ACAT Burundi)
2. Association des Journalistes Burundais en exil
3. Association pour la protection des droits humains et des personnes détenues (APRODH)
4. CIVICUS
5. Coalition Burundaise pour la CPI (CB-CPI)
6. Coalition de la Société Civile pour le Monitoring Electoral (COSOME)
7. Collectif des avocats pour la défense des victimes de crimes de droit international commis au Burundi (CAVIB)
8. Forum pour la Conscience et le Développement (FOCODE)
9. Forum pour le renforcement de la société civile (FORSC)
10. Ligue ITEKA
11. Mouvement des Femmes et des Filles pour la Paix et la Sécurité (MFFPS).
12. Réseau des citoyens probes (RCP)
13. SOS-Torture / Burundi
14. Union burundaise des journalistes (UBJ) -
UN Human Rights Council should renew the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
Statement at the 48th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Delivered by Paul Mulindwa
Thank you, Madame President.
CIVICUS and independent Burundian civil society organisations welcome the work of the UN Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on Burundi, and its comprehensive report on situation of human rights in the country, which provides critical oversight. We urge the UN Human Rights Council to ensure continued scrutiny of Burundi through the renewal of this mandate.
There has been no improvement in the human rights situation in Burundi since the 2020 change in government. Civic space remains closed, with independent and critical voices, including civil society organisations and human rights defenders targeted. Lawyer Tony Germain Nkina, was sentenced to five years in prison as recently as June 2021. Several media outlets are still unable to operate due to restrictions. Many civil society activists and independent journalists remain in exile, while those in Burundi continue to face intimidation, detention, or trials on trumped up charges.
Armed clashes between members of the security forces, sometimes supported by the Imbnerakure, and members of armed groups, continue with increased attacks on civilians.
In light of this, we reiterate our calls on the Council to renew the CoI’s mandate to ensure continued monitoring and documentation of the human rights situation. We call on the government of Burundi to fully implement the 2020 electoral and presidential promises on improving the human rights situation in the country.
We thank you.
Civic space in Burundi is rated as closed by the CIVICUS Monitor
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Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report
Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report
Johannesburg | 4 July, 2023
- Same-sex relations criminalised in at least 27 countries south of the Sahara
- Organisations shut down and offices raided for their work on LGBTQI+ rights
- Widespread bans on the publication of information on gay rights
- Anti-LGBTQI+ laws and practices disproportionately impact other excluded groups including women, children and victims of abuse
From Uganda to Cameroon, LGBTQI+ activists face significant restrictions due to the prevailing social, cultural and legal attitudes towards homosexuality and gender identity. A new report by CIVICUS, Challenging Barriers: Investigating Civic Space Limitations on LGBTQI+ Rights in Africa, looks at some common challenges faced by activists and civil society groups in countries south of the Sahara.
Many African countries have laws that criminalise same sex activity. The laws, often remnants of colonial era legislation, can be used to target and prosecute LGBTQI+ individuals, including activists. Penalties range from fines, imprisonment to even the death penalty in some countries.
Limited legal protection in many African countries offers little or no protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This lack of protection makes it difficult for activists and civil society groups to advocate for equal rights or seek justice when they face human rights abuses. The offices and activities of civil society organisations advocating for LGBTQI+ rights have been either raided or shutdown in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Cameroon.
Attacks against people who identify as LGBTQI+ are common in countries such as Benin, Cameroon and Kenya. In Cameroon since 2022 there have been over 30 recorded cases of violence and abuse against LGBTQI+ people, while in Kenya sexual minority groups face escalating homophobic attacks. In January 2023, following a series of killings in 2022, unknown assailants murdered and dumped the body of LGBTQI+ activist Edwin Chiloba. Chiloba’s death, which many linked to his sexual orientation sparked public outrage, with civil society groups and members of the public denouncing the murder and calling on the authorities to bring those involved to justice.“With the escalating hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Africa, this report sheds light on the grave reality faced by many, and compels us to challenge prejudice, and advocate for equality - especially for the most marginalised. Governments must ensure equal protection for all people in accordance with their obligations on non-discrimination under international human rights law. We implore governments to take robust measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sylvia Mbataru, CIVICUS’ Civic Space Researcher for Eastern & Southern Africa.
Censorship and restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly have contributed to a deteriorating environment for activists. In several countries, the publication and dissemination of material on LGBTQI+ issues face strict editorial controls and bans. CIVICUS also documents how protests are being suppressed, including the use of various laws to deny permits for public demonstrations, specifically targeting LGBTQI gatherings.
Despite the hostile environment in many countries, civil society groups continue to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and score important victories. The report also documents a number of positive developments including the decriminalization of same sex relations in Botswana and Gabon, as well as a recent Supreme Court decision in Namibia to recognise same-sex marriages concluded abroad between citizens and foreign spouses.
The report concludes by demonstrating the impact of civic space restrictions against LGBTQI+ groups, and shows how the ramifications of these restrictions also affect other excluded groups including women and children.
DOWNLOAD REPORT
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Your Questions Answered at UN Security Council
Today I asked President of the UN Security Council Olof Skoog on behalf of @CIVICUSalliance member @Awwad_Nouhad what the council is doing to protect civilians in Gaza. Watch here: https://t.co/Ys1NkuQT3s
— Lyndal Rowlands (@LyndalRowlands) July 3, 2018CIVICUS member questions, addressed to the President of the UN Security Council
Español | FrançaisWe were very pleased with the warm response to our first open call for CIVICUS members to submit questions to be posed to the President of the UN Security Council. In total we received questions from 24 members about the council’s work in places including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Malawi, Nigeria, Palestine and Syria, as well as the situation for refugees in Europe.
CIVICUS NY posed questions on behalf of 3 members related to the situation in Burundi and the situation in Gaza. You can watch the video of the briefing here (English). The questions from CIVICUS members and responses from Olof Skoog, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations are included below. We also wish to thank the World Federation of United Nations Association for organising this monthly briefing.
Question 1 - On behalf of Lebanese youth activist Nouhad Awwad Founder of Nature’s Advocate and an Ambassador at Arab Youth Sustainable Development Network @Awwad_Nouhad
(Read by Lyndal Rowlands, CIVICUS NY Office)How does the UN security council plan to protect the civilians in Palestine and especially Gaza against attacks from the Israeli army? The last month was particularly devastating. Additionally, how does the council plan to support the Human Rights Council investigation into deadly shootings of Gaza protestors by Israeli forces.
Response:
On Gaza, well we share the concern on the situation in Gaza of course and I’m sure that you have heard our speaking up against the violence there and the use of force against innocent civilians. Again we will continue to do that. Again we will also try to work with the special envoy Mr Mladenov who has presented a few thoughts on how we can de-escalate the situation there. We want the Security Council to support there and i think that there are also things that can be done in terms of the humanitarian relief of the situation in Gaza, pending a peace negotiation that has to include an improvement of the situation for the people in Gaza. We have also committed very strongly for supporting UNRWA in their support to Palestinian refugees not just in Gaza but elsewhere. We are disappointed with countries that are moving away from that commitment so it’s important that others come in and that those who have committed stay committed.
Question 2 - On behalf of two Burundian human rights defenders
(Read by Mandeep Tiwana, CIVICUS NY Office)Although Burundi is not on the top of the council’s agenda there is the Security Council resolution 2248 which was adopted in 2015 which requires the government to guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms, however the situation in Burundi remains grave at the moment and civic space remains completely closed. In fact New laws have been adopted further curtailing civic space, and human rights defenders have been sentenced to up to 32 years in prison. How is the council ensuring that resolution 2248 is upheld? What can the council do now, with the least delay, to ensure that the Burundian government lives up to its commitments.
Response:
On Burundi, it is on the Security Council agenda, it’s just that we have not scheduled it this month (current program of work) and that is partly because there is a sequence here that puts it on the agenda in August, so I mean that’s a pretty lame answer to be honest, given the situation as you describe but it’s just that unfortunately the situation in the world is such that we also have to prioritise. I’m not saying that Burundi’s not important I’m just saying that we’re overwhelmed, with situations that are relating to human rights violations and international law, but thank you for reminding us about the human rights situation in Burundi and we’ll see if there is a way that we can raise this somehow.
We plan to continue our advocacy with the council both through monthly calls for questions from members to pose at these briefings as well as through other opportunities throughout each month!