WHAT NON-RENEWAL OF UN OFFICE MANDATE MEANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
As a civil society actor, I find it
very saddening that the way we see things in the sector is not the way some
other people see them. We are at a point in life where everyone should be using
a people-centered and human rights based approaches in handling of all affairs.
It doesn't pay for anyone to sit in their room and make a decision that favours
them alone. There is need to think about other actors who are likely to be
affected by that decision. A quick illustration is that of a marriage
relationship which can thrive best if the spouses are in regular and open communication
and if they can agree on what to move forward with or what to drop off in their
journey.
As a human rights defender,
there has been so much that I and like-minded colleagues have gained from
interacting with and engaging with Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights in Uganda. Our capacity has been enhanced on national, regional and
international human rights promotion and protection mechanisms. We received financial
assistance towards activities aimed at promoting human rights in the country
and there was collaborative effort in speaking against violations and abuses of
human rights, among others. The non-renewal of the Office mandate shall cripple
our work and leave us as mere orphans.
The UN Office has employed a number
of Ugandans over the years meaning that the pronouncement comes with the
implication that it strains the current staff of the office who have to think
of next steps. They probably didn’t see this pronouncement coming but now that
it was made, they have to find alternative employment.
It is argued and cannot be disputed
that Uganda has a Human Rights Commission and vibrant civil society that can do
what the UN Office does or has been doing but we need to recognize the aspect
of mandates. The Commission is a national human rights institution and civil
society organisations have different thematic areas of focus. The UN office is
at international level and therefore takes up messages of the Commission, civil
society and individuals who seek observance of their rights in the event that
they cannot go to local and national
level based agencies or mechanisms.
With all due respect, I think that
if someone ororganisation has not indicated to you that they have failed or are
tired, it is good to let them stay if they have the resources. After all, they
have a community of beneficiaries. Unless there is something that one party
knows that is not being told to the other party or parties.
In the wake of continuing
restrictions on the work of civil society organizations, human rights defenders
and other actors in what is commonly known as shrinking civic space, I pray
that no one shall add soil or salt to the already painful wounds that we have
on our hearts. This is our country and continent. Let's love one another d see
how to support each other to advance than working to bring each other
down.
Robert MUGISA
The Writer is a Human Rights
Defender/Advocate
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