Uganda anti-gay law could encourage violence, says UN
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
- She called on the Ugandan government to take immediate action to ensure that human rights activists in the country are not prosecuted for their advocacy.
New York
The anti-homosexuality law signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday has drawn strong rebuke from the United Nations human rights chief.
“This law will institutionalise discrimination and is likely to encourage harassment and violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation,” declared UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay.
She added that “the law is formulated so broadly that it may lead to abuse of power and accusations against anyone, not just LGBT people.”
“Disapproval of homosexuality by some can never justify violating the fundamental human rights of others,” Ms Pillay declared.
She called on the Ugandan government to take immediate action to ensure that human rights activists in the country are not prosecuted for their advocacy.
The law will impede efforts to prevent transmission of the Aids virus and hamper treatment of those living with HIV, Ms Pillay said.
She expressed hope that the law will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
The spokesman for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York on Monday that Mr Ban joins in the criticisms of the new law.
The spokesman added that the secretary general intends to raise the issue of the anti-gay law in a previously scheduled meeting later on Monday with Uganda's ambassador to the UN.
