49 Civil Society/Human Rights Organizations Send Letter to President Sam Kutesa Urging Leadership on Equality for All
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Suzanne Trimel, Communications Director, 212-430-6018, strimel@iglhrc.org
(New York, September 12, 2014)— As Uganda’s Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa begins his term as President of the U.N. General Assembly on Tues., Sept. 16, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) called on him to “leave no doubt whatsoever” that he will promote human rights for everyone, despite his own government’s history of virulent repression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
IGLHRC sent a letter to Kutesa signed by 49 civil society organizations reminding him that human rights cannot be denied on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. “International human rights standards are clear that all persons enjoy the full range of human rights, without exception,” the letter states. “There cannot be peace, development and justice, unless all humans are free and equal, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex, or other status.”
“We are concerned by the relative silence of member states as Kutesa rises to this highly visible and important position,” said Jessica Stern, executive director of IGLHRC. “Although many argue the position is largely ceremonial, appearances matter intensely- as does leadership - especially in a year that holds great importance for promoting human rights for all. We will be keeping close watch on Kutesa’s leadership at the General Assembly.”
The presidency of the General Assembly rotates among geographic regions; members of the General Assembly vote for the position annually.
During Kutesa’s term, the General Assembly members will engage in critical debate on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and reproductive health.
Stern said: “The United Nations is dedicated to equal rights and fundamental freedoms for all. Kutesa must leave no doubt whatsoever that he will adhere to and advance these human rights principles. When we say human rights, we mean everyone – no exceptions.”
Uganda’s recent actions undermine human rights, from virulent homophobia in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Law of 2014 and criminalizing “indecency” in regulating women’s dress to an oppressive law governing public assembly and an environment considered unsafe for journalists.
“Disregard for human rights can be contagious and extremism can spread,” said Stern. “Uganda’s hateful homophobic law has reverberated in Nigeria, Kenya and most recently in The Gambia. Despite strides worldwide in recognizing LGBT rights – as exemplified by the U.N.’s own Free and Equal campaign -- there is a real danger of demagogic leaders curtailing these rights. Kutesa’s appointment comes at a time when the world needs to knock through barriers that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face, not erect new ones.”
Published on September 12, 2014 | OutRight Action International an LGBT human rights organization