Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization

Incredible and great job done by Staff of Pluralism Immigrant Services

Christmas Greetings

The Board of Trustees, Management and Staff of Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Full of Happiness and Joy

Thank you for your continued support and relentless effort in the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights and Freedom in Africa and around the globe.

Continue to be Safe during this Festive Season with God's abundant blessings

THE RELEVANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

The recent concluded Human Rights Day on December 10, 2021, should be a day to reflect, demand, protect and advance human rights. The organization motto is a replica of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration which reaffirms that;

'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights'

However, most governments and agencies around the world have turned their citizens into a chess board and move them at your whims. One of the greatest Genevan Philosopher by the name, Jean Jacques Rousseau once stated in his works; 'The Social Contract', that;

'Man is born free but he is everywhere in chains'

Rousseau asserts that; modern states repress the physical freedom that is our birthright, and do nothing to secure the civil freedom for the sake of which we enter into civil society.'

While many countries recognize human rights, democracy and the rule of law as the basis for resilient and stable societies, many people around the world are still unaware of the existence of the UDHRs and the rights enshrined therein. As a result, many human rights abuses go unreported, unchallenged and therefore no redress is sought due to lack of knowledge of the existence of the human rights instruments and treaties.

As an organization, we continue to echo to national governments, partner organizations and to staff to protect and promote human rights. Government should bring the perpetrators including errant police officers and military officers who trump upon the rights of innocent citizens.

The promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms is a collective responsibility and it most always be a top priority for States as primary duty bearers. The role of Non-State Actors in addressing discrimination and inequalities cannot be over-emphasized as they continue to play complimentary roles in the promotion and protection of human rights.

ESG course registration - Formstack

Course on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

The demand for Environmental, Social and Corporate governance (ESG) criteria in investing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The ESG trend, and the incentives it creates for businesses and investors provide unique advocacy opportunities for civil society to influence institutional investment policies and corporate behaviors with unprecedented efficacy and precision.

We therefore encourage all environmental activists, human right defenders and social activists to participate and register for this online course.

For more details, please follow the link below;
https://pilnet.formstack.com/forms/esg_course_registration

ESG course registration - Formstack This training will provide an overview and context of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) as a current phenomenon in order to outline opportunities it offers for civil society for fostering social change, advocacy, and influence over businesses in contributing to positive social ch...

Smartsheet Forms

Apply now for ISHR's Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme

Are you a human rights defender keen to use the UN to push for change at home?

If so, this opportunity might be just what you need to further increase your impact on the ground!

After two successful online editions in 2020 and 2021, ISHR is pleased to launch the call for applications for the third online edition of the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (HRDAP), which will take place remotely between 4 April and 24 June 2022.

The course equips human rights defenders with the knowledge and skills to integrate the UN human rights system into their existing work at the national level in a strategic manner. It also provides an opportunity for participants to prepare for and engage in lobbying and advocacy activities at the UN with the aim to create change back home.

Follow the link below to apply now:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f063f5f232804932a72d68d974ce379c

Smartsheet Forms

Reporting from COP26 — Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) 2021

Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) 2021

The final day of COP26 has come to an end in Glasgow, yet the challenging negotiations may extend to Sunday. Let's continue to pray for the delegates and world leaders: for strength, courage, and wisdom to act now in pursuit of a just and sustainable future. 🌍
We are partnered with the Christian Climate Observers Program-CCOP, whose COP26 newsletters give a daily look from the ground. Catch up to these updates—several authored by our Canadian representatives—here:

https://www.ccopclimate.org/reporting-from-cop26?fbclid=IwAR35Pi5QE4ZDqNKgf_m3sRalAoZaKWv2Zuceb74lAWxfYpsmIVZ2Qu-8S4g

We have more #COP26 highlights, reflections, and calls to action to come, so stay tuned in the next week!

Reporting from COP26 — Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) 2021 Week Two Newsletters 11/12 Daily Update: click here11/11 Daily Update: click here11/10 Daily Update: click here11/9 Daily Update: click here11/8 Daily Update: click hereWeek One Newsletters11/5 Daily Update: click here11/4 Daily Update: click here11/3 Daily Update: click here 11/2 Daily Update: clic...

Call to Protect the Environment for Future Sustainability

Our Environmental Manager, Mr. Samula Abdul Magidh during the Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization Environment Initiative held a workshop on Friday, 12th November, 2021. He donated tree seedlings to the locals and farmers of Mityana District and called upon all Ugandans to protect and conserve our beautiful environment for sustainability and the next generation. He also called upon the government to stop giving out forests to investors which destruction of forests have greatly affected the climate and nature. He said that; "There is need for government to support the locals by providing them with tree seedlings and encouraging more tree planting to protect the ecosystem and the environment since natural calamities around the world or Uganda are as a result of poor environmental practices which has affected human habitation and caused massive displacement”.

He also thanked the campaign drive by AROCHA-CANADA in helping to educate environmental activists around the world since knowledge and research is key in the protection of out beautiful environment.

As Rights Defenders and Promotion Organization, we lead by example and it is our duty to teach, educate and protect the environment.

CALL FOR A CONSULTANT – The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies

Call for Consultation by The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights. Follow the link below for more information;
https://www.acdhrs.org/2021/08/call-for-a-consultant/

CALL FOR A CONSULTANT – The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies Call for a Consultant (Facilitator)BackgroundThe African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is an independent, pan-African regional human rights organization established in 1989 and based in Banjul, The Gambia. The African Centre upholds and promotes Article 25 of the African Cha...

Condemnation of the Arrest of a Human Rights Lawyer in Uganda.

Its an absurdity that the Uganda Security Apparatus have arrested a renown human rights lawyer, Nicolas Opio on allegations of "money laundering and malicious charges". and currently under police custody.

As human rights defenders, we echo to the government of Uganda and the Uganda police to respect the rights of the suspect and his well-being while under police custody as enshrined under the Constitution of Uganda.

The suspect should be accorded access to his family, lawyer and doctor. The due process of the law should be adhered to and we continue to call upon the Uganda government to create a cordial environment for HRDs and civil society organizations to freely operate in a democracy.

Uganda is a signatory to the UN Conventions and the African Charter on human rights and should therefore respect its obligation under these international and regional instruments.

Free Opio Nicolas Free Opio Nicolas Free Opio Nicolas

Support LGBTQ Refugees on Block 13 in Kakuma Camp organized by Victor Mukasa

Call for Support to the Marginalized LGBTQ+ Ugandan Refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lgbtq-refugees-on-block-13-in-kakuma-camp

gofundme.com My name is Victor Mukasa, an international LGBTQ+ human rights defende… Victor Mukasa needs your support for Support LGBTQ Refugees on Block 13 in Kakuma Camp

Ride in support of ACAI

Climate Change Initiative

Climate Change Activists and Human Rights Advocate!!!

JOIN THE LAUNCH OF THE AFRICA CLIMATE ACTION INITIATIVE!

African communities will be hit hardest by the climate crisis even while contributing the least to global carbon emissions. Indeed, the continent has contributed only 2-3% of GHG emissions, yet communities across the continent are already being hard hit by droughts and flooding - and accompanying challenges including huge locust infestations, food insecurity, health challenges, conflicts and forced displacement.

But many groups in Africa are working hard to adapt and build resilience. We are launching the Africa Climate Action Initiative (ACAI) as an initiative of the Canada Africa Partnership Network to support these much needed efforts!

The ACAI seeks to promote climate action in Africa by partnering with African organizations working on climate change issues to share capacity building and resources. The ACAI is looking for volunteers to join and support our initiative!! Check the opportunities here, and if you are interested please contact Sarah Kamau and Katie Fettes at [email protected]

Please join us for the online launch of the initiative on Thursday May 7th, 2020 at 6pm EDT to learn more, support & get involved | Livestream: https://youtu.be/sqXU2w0Mg3o

Eventbrite Register: africa-climate-action-initiative.eventbrite.ca
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/218873829442445/
Livestream: https://youtu.be/sqXU2w0Mg3o
Learn more & support: http://www.capnetwork.ca/african-projects/acai/
To join our fundraising bikeathon (taking place June 6-7): https://canadaafricapartnershipride.ca/acai/

Together, we stand for climate action and resilience. Together, we imagine a healthy and regenerative Africa and future!

canadaafricapartnershipride.ca Ride in support of the Africa Climate Action Initiative! Africa is the continent the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is causing food insecurity, health challenges, poverty, conflicts and forced migration. The Africa Climate Action Initiative seeks to promote and accelerate ....

Uganda arrests 16 LGBT activists on suspicion of gay sex

LGBT persecution continues to take centre stage in Uganda.

The link below indicates the continued marginalization, torture and inhumane treatment meted by the authoritarian regime towards gender minorities in Uganda.

https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/24/sixteen-lgbt-activists-arrested-in-uganda-as-hate-crimes-soar

theguardian.com Men could face life in jail as campaigners warn of escalating attacks on sexual minorities

Refugee LGBTQ Activists at High Risk in Uganda

Uganda as a country that criminalizes homosexuality continues to threaten, discriminate and witch-hunt LGBTQ refugees. These vulnerable persons suffer double persecution not only as forced migrants but face criminal prosecution for being gender minorities coupled with threats of asylum revocation of their refugee status determination from the Refugee Directorate under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The recent spat and attack on Angels Refugee Support Group, a community based refugee organization and human rights activists (activistes des droits de i'homme) headed by Mr. Bibe Kalalu, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a clear manifestation of increased homophobia on sexual minorities in Uganda. The attack on the organization caused havoc and mayhem which resulted to the death of one of its members in Kampala.

As a human rights organization, we highly condemn the impunity meted on refugees and other Ugandans fighting for LGBTQ inclusiveness, equality and tolerance. We call upon the government of Uganda to Stop Hate against LGBTQ persons and vulnerable refugees. Uganda has the mandate to protect rather than sow the seeds of hate against such persons of concern.

Furthermore, We call upon the government of Uganda and other refugee related agencies like UNHCR and OPM to investigate the cold blooded murder and bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, UNHCR should come up with a permament solution preferably resettlement, as a durable solution to LGBTQ refugees in Uganda.

The application window for Advocacy Week 2019 is now closed.

https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/application-window-advocacy-week-2019-now-closed

outrightinternational.org Applications are open for OutRight's global LGBTIQ movement to advocate at the United Nations. Every December, OutRight hosts LGBTIQ activists from around the world in New York for a week of high-level meetings and activities around Human Rights Day (December 10th).

Condemning police brutality in Uganda

The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment outlaws all forms of torture, inhuman or degrading punishment however Uganda as a signatory to the Convention through its state operatives and the police have tremendously failed to adhere to these core principles. Uganda police and security operatives in Uganda are the number one human rights violators as per the Uganda Human Rights Commission Report.

The Uganda Police has heavily meted high handedness and brutality toward opposition MPs, Human Rights Activists/Defenders and Young democrats who have taken courage and stood strong to fight against the despotic regime, high levels of corruption and surging youth unemployment. The recent crackdown on FDC Youth Mobilizer and People Power Supporter Sekajiri Raymond and others including his wife Nalubega Justine is a clear manifestation that the authoritarian regime is not ready to relinquish power. We call upon the government and the state operatives like the police to restrain from the use of torture and unreasonable force against civilian population.

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Indian Supreme Court Ruling

We applaud the Indian Supreme Court for its profound boldness in reaching a justiciable land mark case on its pronouncement on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of gender minorities in India.

The Justices of the Supreme Court ruled to the effect that;
‘Fundamental rights to dignity of all individuals must be protected without which other rights would be meaningless’

Mr. Stanley Atona, a human rights lawyer and an expert on migration and sexuality, welcomed the decision with lots of positivity and further reiterated that ‘while we celebrate let’s remember that this decision comes from a journey or struggle of over 18 years. Let’s also step back to recognize that this decision is not an end to the struggle but the beginning of a new phase of the struggle’.

Therefore human right activists should continue with their struggle in finding everlasting solutions and tolerance for all sexual minorities around the world. Further courts should look at this landmark case and precedent in the protection and enjoyment of the basic human rights for sexual minorities and other marginalized people at heightened risk by repressive authoritarian regimes.

We condemn Violence in Arua By-Elections

The recent concluded Arua by-election has witnessed sporadic violence and lawlessness that saw several Opposition Members of Parliament, including Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi, aka, Bobi Wine, arrested and the shooting dead of his driver in Arua.

The arrested Opposition MPs and there supporters were arbitrarily arrested, tortured detained in ungazetted areas and charged with treason. For instance, MP Robert Kyagulanyi and MP Zaake.

Article 1 (1) of United Nations Convention Against Torture of which Uganda is a signatory stipulates as follows:

“The term "torture" means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted
on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such
pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity."

Similarly Article 24 and 44 of Uganda Constitution outlaws derogation from particular human rights and freedoms and Respect for human dignity and protection from inhuman treatment. It stipulates that;

No person shall be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

The same 1995 Constitution as amended 2000 further enumerates that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty (presumption of innocence) and the right to a fair hearing entails; production in court before 48 hours, accused has a right to be visited by his spouse, relatives or lawyer, Has a right of access to medical treatment and in the case of any offence which carries a sentence of death or imprisonment for life, be entitled to legal representation at the expense of the State;

First and foremost as a human rights organization, we condemn all sorts of violence in whatever form.

Secondly, we call upon the Museveni regime and the government of Uganda to include Security Operatives(CMI, ESO and DESO), Police and Special Forces to restrain from excessive violence and abuse of fundamental human rights and freedoms of all the suspects incarcerated and the general public.

Election is the responsibility of Uganda Electoral Commission which must be exercised in conformity with the law and Must be exercised in a manner which is Free and Fair.

Uganda is a democratic state which has to respect the rule of law, uphold fundamental human rights and freedoms of all including gullible people and Opposition MPs coupled with denouncing torture in whatever form.