As Benin prepares for its upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections on January 11, human rights organizations are emphasizing the urgent need for candidates to prioritize human rights within their political agendas. Amnesty International, along with 13 other civil society organizations, has highlighted various concerns that require immediate attention. Key priorities include the protection of freedom of expression, access to justice, gender equality, and the rights of disabled and displaced individuals.
The civic landscape in Benin has been under scrutiny, with reports indicating that restrictive measures have led to a shrinking of civic space. Authorities have been criticized for suspending media outlets and arresting dissidents. Amnesty International has pointed out that these actions are often enabled by the inadequate provisions of the Digital Code, which criminalizes the dissemination of false information. Rights groups have urged a revision of this code, viewing it as a threat to journalistic freedom.
Concerns also extend to the right to peaceful assembly, which is curtailed by the current criminal code that prohibits unarmed gatherings potentially disturbing public peace. The right to strike is similarly limited, affecting employees across sectors, and completely banned for healthcare workers. Such restrictions are seen as significant impediments to protest rights.
Additionally, the rights of people with disabilities are in need of enhancement, with calls for improved access to services such as healthcare and education, and the recruitment of specialized professionals for children with intellectual disabilities. The situation of forcibly displaced individuals also demands urgent action. Amnesty International has noted that development projects have led to mass evictions without adequate compensation, leaving many without homes.
The human rights dialogue is set against a broader backdrop of political instability in the region. Following a thwarted military coup on December 7, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared a state of emergency in response to ongoing threats to regional security. The United Nations has further urged Benin to bolster protections for children’s rights, citing numerous cases of abuse.
As these elections approach, the international community and rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for actionable commitments from candidates to address these pressing human rights issues.
More insights into the situation in Benin can be found in earlier reports such as those detailed on JURIST.