The United Nations Human Rights office in Uganda has been closed, as announced by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, last Thursday. Türk cited the East African country’s decision not to renew an agreement enabling the office’s operation as the principal reason for this closure. Simultaneously, he conveyed substantial apprehensions regarding the human rights situation in Uganda, drawing attention to the culminating 2026 elections.Details of his announcement can be found here.
Türk also expressed apprehension towards what may be perceived as a step back from Uganda’s commitments under international human rights treaties. The government’s adherence to ensuring that the national humans rights body operates effectively and independently is an area of intense emphasis for the High Commissioner.
“The Uganda Human Rights Commission, our long-standing partner in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, is critically lacking in both funding and personnel, and allegations of political meddling have led to questions regarding its legitimacy, independence, and impartiality. I am urging the Ugandan government to equip the Commission with sufficient human, technical, and financial resources, ensuring an optimized and proactive operation,” Türk stated.
Furthermore, this July, the UN Human Rights Committee released its findings on various countries including Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Cyprus, Lesotho, the State of Palestine, and Uganda. The Committee highlighted their predominant concerns and recommendations pertaining to the execution of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Among other issues, the Committee voiced significant concern over the random arrests and detentions of political opposition, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders in these nations. More information on these findings is available here.
The Committee’s report also noted discrimination and persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including the enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023. This Act has been subject to rigorous international debate over its potential to exacerbate discrimination against Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community. Here’s the link to the full text of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
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