The Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Lyandro Komakech was recently granted leave of Parliament to introduce the Human Rights Defenders' Protection Bill, 2020. See the motion at https://bit.ly/3eZUnMH
Human rights defenders (HRDs) are defined by the United Nations as “people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights”. They also play an essential role in promoting and protecting democracy, and the rule of law.
According to Hon. Lyandro Komakech, by the nature of their work, HRDs often are the target of coercive measures by the Government, security forces, armed forces, and even community members yet they are not a recognized critical body in the field of human rights protection. See the New Vision Newspaper of 13th July, 2020 at page 12.
Furthermore, even with the protection accorded under Article 50 of the Constitution of Uganda, is not enough as the same Constitution does not provide them with an effective remedy to seek redress and protection of their work. Several HRDs therefore suffer gross human rights violations like arbitrary arrests and torture.
In recognition of this, specific legislation needs to be enacted for HRDs to address the challenges they face in the execution of their daily duties.
The Gulu Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Lyandro Komakech was recently granted leave of Parliament to introduce the **Human Rights Defenders' Protection Bill, 2020**. See the motion at https://bit.ly/3eZUnMH
Human rights defenders (HRDs) are defined by the United Nations as “people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights”. They also play an essential role in promoting and protecting democracy, and the rule of law.
According to Hon. Lyandro Komakech, by the nature of their work, HRDs often are the target of coercive measures by the Government, security forces, armed forces, and even community members yet they are not a recognized critical body in the field of human rights protection. See the **New Vision Newspaper of 13th July, 2020 at page 12.**
Furthermore, even with the protection accorded under **Article 50 of the Constitution of Uganda**, is not enough as the same Constitution does not provide them with an effective remedy to seek redress and protection of their work. Several HRDs therefore suffer gross human rights violations like arbitrary arrests and torture.
In recognition of this, specific legislation needs to be enacted for HRDs to address the challenges they face in the execution of their daily duties.
edited Jul 25 '20 at 11:59 am
