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Karachi, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has voiced strong criticism against the Ugandan Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which he deems discriminatory and a violation of international human rights standards. Türk emphasized the urgent need for Uganda to repeal this act and other related discriminatory legislation to safeguard the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ community.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, close to 600 individuals in Uganda have faced human rights abuses related to their sexual orientation or gender identity since the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May of the previous year. Türk warned that the number of victims would continue to increase unless the legislation is entirely repealed.
Highlighting the inconsistency of the act with Uganda’s obligations under international human rights treaties, Türk underscored that criminal penalties, including the death penalty for consensual same-sex relations, are unacceptable. He urged the Ugandan authorities to eliminate all forms of discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The High Commissioner also advocated for the repeal of Section 145 of the Penal Code Act and called for amendments to the Equal Opportunities Act to expressly prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Furthermore, Türk appealed to the Ugandan authorities to create a supportive environment for human rights defenders, ensuring their ability to operate freely and without prejudice, particularly those advocating for LGBTQ rights.